It took me about three minutes to do so, which I presumed was pretty quick. But, Ms. Hoffmann soon told me that it usually takes professional potters around 30 seconds to center clay on the wheel. I spent the rest of the session creating my own pieces, just for practice, and ended up with these:
I didn't actively create pottery for the remainder of the week, so I thought now would be a good time to step back and assess my own understanding about the process of making a piece of pottery. Here it goes...
1. Wedging the clay
Before you start molding a piece of clay, you have to wedge it. This is pretty similar to kneading dough. You fold the clay and roll it into a ball in hopes that you can remove all of the internal air bubbles. If you don't, you're at risk for an explosion in the kiln.
2. Centering the clay on the wheel
This also comes before the actual molding of the clay. Basically, you throw the piece onto the very middle of the wheel, and make sure that it sticks to the base (use a lot of water. Water is your friend). Then, you get the wheel turning and place your hands around the clay, in hopes that it becomes a uniform round shape. Once that is achieved, you press down on the top and flatten out the top of the piece. Then, you're ready to start hollowing out the center. Press both of your thumbs in the center of the top of the piece and push down. Once you get a hole, start pushing your thumbs outwards to get it to the desired shape.
3. Making the piece on the wheel
Now, this part really depends on what you're making, but just remember it's in your best interest to keep a steady hand and keep a bucket of water at hand. This will help make the clay more easily manipulated.
4. Firing the piece in the kiln
This part pretty much goes over my head. So, basically, you finish the piece and set it out to dry for a few hours. Then, you place it in the kiln for a few hours. Afterwards, you take the piece out, glaze it, and but it back in the kiln. This is known as "bisquing" the piece. Until I get to that step of the process, my knowledge about it will be lacking...
Over the rest of the project, I am going to be creating one piece wholly. My teacher and I have decided upon a pitcher, because it incorporates a lot of elements of the craft: you have to make the piece tall, a uniform width, and include a pitcher and spout.
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| Source: Magnum Pottery |
Using the Pinching Technique
Some of the earliest ceramic pitchers date back to the Minoan civilization (3000 B.C.). These pitchers are known to have been created using the pinching technique. It works like this:
1. Create two pots and remove the bottom of one of them.
2. Attach the two pieces using water, and smooth out both sides.
3. Attach a handle.
4. Fire in the kiln.
Ms. Hoffmann has suggested that I use this technique to create my first piece, because of it's simplicity. Until I do further research, I will not make a final decision. Check back soon for more updates!
Hey Amanda! Great progress with the wheel! I am impressed that you could center the piece in 3 minutes! I tried the pottery wheel once before, and found it extremely difficult to keep the piece centered on the wheel. I have one question: will you be making any other pieces other than the pitcher that you described? Anyways, good luck with the rest of your project!
ReplyDelete-Tess
Amanda, I think this is an interesting topic, I haven't seen anyone else do anything like it. I have throw on the wheel before and I loved it, but it was pretty hard when I started. The pieces you have made look really good. I can't wait to see your finished pieces. Are you planning on doing anything special with the glaze? Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteI've never used a pottery wheel before, but your blog makes it look very interesting! Do you have a lot of issues with clay under your nails? I feel like it would be hard to get out once it dried. It would be really neat if your final product was functional as a pitcher, and more than just a decoration. Good luck and have fun!
ReplyDeleteI love keeping up with your blog! The pictures that you post help a lot, and your blog is very organized. I agree with Tessa on the final product, it would be great and could show that you have mastered the art!
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