It's one of the oldest debates in ceramics and one that continues to divide opinion today.
"Casting is cheating."
Whether you've heard it said in a pottery studio, seen it in online discussions or perhaps even thought it yourself, it's a myth that has persisted for decades.
But is there any truth behind it?
In short: no.
Where Did the Myth Come From?
Part of the misconception stems from the fact that slip casting uses a mould to create a form. To some, that can appear less hands-on than throwing a pot on the wheel or building a piece by hand.
However, reducing casting to simply "pouring clay into a mould" overlooks the considerable skill, knowledge and craftsmanship involved in the process.
The reality is that every forming method in ceramics has its own challenges. Throwing requires control, consistency and years of practice. Hand-building demands an understanding of structure, drying and construction. Casting requires an entirely different set of skills, from mould making and slip preparation to timing, fettling and finishing.
None is inherently better than another. They're simply different ways of working with clay.
A Technique With a Long History
Slip casting is far from a modern shortcut.
For generations, ceramic manufacturers have relied on casting to produce everything from tableware and sanitaryware to decorative ceramics and technical components.
The process has been refined over centuries because it offers something unique: the ability to create precise, repeatable forms with exceptional consistency.
Many of the ceramic objects we use every day simply wouldn't exist in their current form without casting.
Creating What Other Methods Can't
One of the greatest strengths of casting is its ability to produce shapes that would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to achieve through throwing or hand-building alone.
Complex handles, hollow forms, intricate surface details and multi-part constructions can all be achieved with remarkable accuracy using casting techniques.
For artists and designers, this opens up creative possibilities that other methods may struggle to deliver.
In many cases, casting isn't chosen because it's easier. It's chosen because it's the best tool for the job.
Casting Still Requires Skill
Anyone who has tried casting for the first time quickly discovers there's much more to it than meets the eye.
Understanding casting rates, wall thickness, mould condition, drying behaviour and finishing techniques all play a role in producing successful work.
Even something as seemingly simple as knowing exactly when to pour out a mould can make the difference between success and failure.
Like throwing or hand-building, experience matters.
The Ceramics Community Is Stronger Because of Variety
One of the wonderful things about ceramics is the sheer variety of ways people choose to work.
Some potters love the rhythm of the wheel. Others prefer the freedom of hand-building. Some are fascinated by mould making and casting.
The beauty of ceramics is that there is no single "correct" way to create.
Every finished piece still begins with clay, requires knowledge and skill, and reflects the maker behind it.
Myth Busted
Casting isn't cheating.
It's a respected ceramic forming technique used by hobbyists, studio potters, artists, designers and manufacturers around the world.
Different process. Different skills. Same creativity.
And if you've never tried it before, you might just discover a whole new side of ceramics waiting to be explored.