Throwing pots (the art of making a bowl, mug, whatever out of clay using a wheel) is a very relaxing art form which requires discipline and patience. I just learned to throw pots last week and, frankly, I suck, but here is an overview and some suggestions from my great teacher and coach.
Terms:
Steps:
- Knead the clay
- Center the clay on the wheel
- Form the cone shape
- Form the inverted bowl shape
- Create the center hole
- Create the donut shape
- Pull the pot
Hints (also apply to life in general):
- Go Slowly. Be patient. You cannot go too slowly. If you attempt to go through any step too quickly, you will know because your pot will suddenly become lopsided and probably fall over.
- Do everything gently. Though it takes a fair amount of force to get the clay to do what you want, it must be controlled.
- When you first touch the clay, and when you let go, be totally relaxed. If you are not, you will let go unevenly, causing the pot to become lopsided.
- Don't get frustrated. This takes a lot of practice. As you get more experienced, throwing will become easier and much, much faster.
- Concentrate at all times. If you feel like you are losing concentration, take a short break, clean the wheel, or do something else to distract you momentarily.