Hey there, beginner potters! I'm excited you're here to dive into the world of pottery wheel magic. I've been teaching pottery for a while now, and let me tell you, the wheel is where the real fun begins. There’s just something mesmerising about how a lump of clay can transform into a beautiful piece of art right in front of your eyes.
In this article, I’m going to share some untold secrets of the pottery wheel that will help you get the most out of your experience. Let’s jump right in!
Getting Comfortable with the Pottery Wheel
First things first, you need to find the right wheel for your needs and space. The wheel should be comfortable for you, so make sure it’s at a good height and you can easily reach the pedal, or the speed regulator. If you choose a manual kick wheel then make sure you are comfortable while sitting and your legs reach the bottom counter weight for kicking.
When setting up your wheel, don’t forget to adjust its speed. You want to start slow, especially as a beginner, and gradually increase the speed as you gain confidence. Focus on perfecting the technique first, then speed.
Now, let’s talk posture. Sit back, relax, and keep your elbows close to your body and your arms propped on your thighs. You want to find a position that feels natural and steady. Imagine yourself as a tree, with roots firmly planted in the ground. That imagery will help maintain your balance and control.
Mastering Centering
Centering is a crucial skill when working with the wheel—it sets the foundation for everything else you do.
To center your clay, start by slapping the ball of clay onto the wheel firmly. Position your clay right in the centre of the wheel rather than throwing it aimlessly. Use the concentric rings on the wheel as a guide to position the clay in the middle of the wheel. Remember, positioning your clay in the centre of the wheel from the beginning helps centre your clay way faster.
Wet your hands and use the heel of your palms to press down and then pull up. The goal is to keep the clay perfectly centered as it spins at all times. If your hands are centred then your clay is centred.
If you find your clay wobbling, don’t worry—it happens to everyone! Just stop the wheel, re-center the clay, and try again. Remember, practice makes perfect. I spent countless hours practicing centering, and it's the foundation of every successful piece.
Building Up Your Forms
Once you’ve got your clay centered, you’re ready to start pulling up the walls.
Use your thumbs and fingers to create an opening in the middle of your centered clay ball. Then, use your fingers to gently pull the clay open to check on the thickness of your base. Once you’re happy with the thickness of your base, compress it into a compact and levelled base. Your base should be even without any bumps or lumps.
Once you’re happy with your base slightly close the form back if it has opened up while compressing the base. Now it’s time to work on the walls. This step is called pulling. It’s when you push the excess clay out from the bottom and pull it up with your finger tips to evenly distribute the clay from bottom to top. Keep an eye out for uneven thickness or collapsing walls—these are common beginner challenges. The key is to be gentle and patient with your clay. When I was starting, I learned the hard way that going too fast could cause my pieces to collapse. Slow and steady wins the race! Try to accomplish a pull in one go. Refer to pottery videos if the concept of pulling still feels alien to you. It’s about creating a muscle memory, so PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!
Shaping Secrets for Unique Creations
Now, you can start experimenting with different shapes and designs on the wheel.
Use your hands or tools like ribs to shape and refine your forms as they rise. Experiment with different pressures and techniques to see what works best for you.
Shaping is done gently and in layers. Shape your pieces with very gentle pressure, think of it as stretching the walls out into a shape rather than squeezing and forcing a shape on your piece.
Remember, the wheel is your playground! Don't be afraid to push the boundaries of traditional shapes and try out new ideas.
Adding Texture and Detail
Adding texture and intricate details can take your pottery to the next level.
There are many ways to experiment with texture, such as using stamps, brushes, or even your fingers to create patterns. You can also try techniques like carving lines into the clay or impressing (pushing objects into the clay to create texture).
The trick is to avoid overworking the clay--try to not spend too much time on a single piece. It’s easy to get carried away but there’s only so much the clay can handle. Focus on adding just a few key textures or details to keep work clean and professional.
Trimming and Finishing Techniques
Trimming is an essential part of the process that helps refine your pieces and make them look polished and lighter in weight. It’s a separate skill set. An extension of the wheel work.
Once your piece has dried to the leather-hard stage where the clay is firm enough that it will not collapse upon touching, you can trim the base to remove any excess clay and create a smooth, balanced finish. Use a sharp trimming tool or loop tool to trim away the extra clay.
This is also the time to add finishing touches such as handles, spouts, or feet to your pots. Trimming can be a tricky skill to master, so be patient with yourself. I remember struggling with trimming for a while, but once I got the hang of it, my pieces looked much more professional. Like throwing, trimmimg also get better with time and practice.
Embracing the Creative Process
Pottery is as much about the journey as it is about the final product. Embrace the creative process, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
My students often get frustrated when things don't go as planned, but I encourage them to see mistakes as learning opportunities. Some of my best work has come from unexpected accidents on the wheel.
Keep experimenting with different techniques and styles. You never know when you'll stumble upon your own unique pottery style!
I hope these untold secrets of pottery wheel magic help you get the most out of your wheel-throwing experience. Remember, practice, patience, and perseverance are key. Discipline in the studio is of utmost importance.
Take your time to experiment, enjoy the process, and learn from your mistakes. Soon enough, you'll be creating stunning pieces that you’ll be proud to show off. Happy potting!
