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Wheel Throwing Techniques
For some people, throwing clay on the potter's wheel can be addictive. If you are one of those people, you have come to the right place. Here, professional studio potters provide instruction as well as inspiration for anyone wanting to learn, improve and master wheel throwing techniques. Browse these articles and videos for helpful information such topics as altering wheel thrown vessels or trimming large platters with complex rims. And, if you haven't already, be sure to download your free copy of 7 Great Pottery Projects, which includes detailed well-illustrated, step-by-step pottery making projects by nationally known potters, teachers and workshop presenters.
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March 19, 2010
In this video clip, Keith Phillips shows us how to make a thrown and altered classic American butter dish. It's a fun project involving both thrown and handbuilt components. As Keith explains, butter sizes vary depending on your location, but his idea can be adapted to whatever size you need. Watch the video!
March 5, 2010
Wheel Throwing Video: How to Throw Teabowls Off the Hump on the Pottery Wheel
Throwing off-the-hump is a very helpful technique if you are making a series of a form. You only have to center once so you can really get into a rhythm, which makes it easier to repeat the same size and shape. But as Jerry points out in today's video, it is also a fun exercise for experimenting with variations on a form. Watch the video!
February 19, 2010
Wheel Throwing Video - Fitting Form: How to Alter Wheel Thrown Pottery Using Darts
Today, Lorna Meaden, past and future Potters Council workshop presenter, demonstrates how she darts a wheel-thrown pitcher to alter the shape. She also explains how darting can work really well on pots with handles because of the extra negative space that is created between the handle and the dart. As a bonus, she also quickly shows a really cool way to make a beautiful refined foot that requires little or no trimming. Watch the video!
February 5, 2010
Wheel Throwing Video: How to Throw a Large Vase in Two Parts on the Pottery Wheel
In today's video, an excerpt from Stephen Jepson's DVD How to Throw Large Pots, potter Bill Gossman shows us his method for making a large vase in two wheel-thrown sections. Bill has a couple of tricks up his sleeves that I hadn't thought of previously, such as a great technique for centering large amounts of clay. So, check it out!
January 22, 2010
Wheel Throwing Video: How to Make a Little Teapot (Short and Stout) on the Pottery Wheel
I finally found a teapot video that is about as succinct as they come - roughly 12 minutes (not bad, considering the process). And the great thing is, it doesn't sacrifice detail and good advice. So, sit back and watch this excerpt from Stephen Jepson's Advanced Throwing Projects and Techniques. When you're done, you should have a darn good foundation for making your own little teapot.
December 2, 2009
How to Make Agateware Vessels on the Pottery Wheel
In today's post, an excerpt from the January/February 2010 issue of Pottery Making Illustrated, Michelle Erickson and Robert Hunter explain the important considerations potters need to make when making agateware and demonstrate throwing agateware on the pottery wheel.
November 4, 2009
Today Robin Hopper explains the distinction between neriage and nerikomi, as it was explained to him by Thomas Hoadley, a long time colored clay aficionado. He also explains how to create a lovely marbled rim bowl like the one shown at left.
October 30, 2009
Wheel Throwing Video: How to Throw and Facet a Pitcher on the Pottery Wheel
In today's video, potter Stephen Jepson demonstrates how to throw a pitcher on the pottery wheel and then facet it with a cheese slicer. Watch the video!
October 9, 2009
In today's pottery video, potters Don Ellis and Randy Brodnax playfully demonstrate how, with a little imagination, you can turn your pots into all manner of creatures great and small. Don shows us how to alter a pot into a cat sculpture, while Randy makes a frog out of a pot he slammed onto the ground after throwing. Watch the video!
October 2, 2009
Less Water, More Control: The Benefits of Dry Throwing on the Pottery Wheel
In today's video, potter Whitney Smith explains that with a little practice, learning to throw pottery using less water can open doors for you and help you take your pottery to the next level. Watch the video!
September 18, 2009
In today's video clip, potter Robin Hopper demonstrates throwing a simple sauce boat on the potters wheel, while discussing the aesthetic and functional issues that go into its design. Watch the video now!
September 9, 2009
Master potter and impeccable craftsman Jeffrey Nichols talks about finding one's voice by developing your techniques and your ideas over a period of time. He also demonstrates his accumulated skills by sharing his technique for making a faceted teapot and using his unique decorating technique of layered underglazes.
August 21, 2009
Wheel Throwing Video: A Simple Pottery Making Technique Turned Upside Down
Brace yourselves, Ceramic Arts Daily readers. Today's video is going to turn your world upside down! Potter Mark Peters takes a simple pottery wheel throwing technique and turns it on its head. Watch the Video!
June 25, 2009
While attending a workshop, I watched Mark Issenberg create one of his signature pieces: a tall vase, thrown in three pieces, embellished with decorative handles. The making of the vase is described in the following process.
June 23, 2009
Square Dancing: Creating a Diamond-Shaped Baking Dish with an Undulating Rim on the Pottery Wheel
Today, Dick Lehman shares his techniques for throwing "dancing" baking dishes on the potter's wheel, a technique inspired by a demonstration at a workshop years ago.
June 22, 2009
Throwing Clay to Achieve Texture and Interest on Assembled Pots
I am happy to announce that Three Great Throwing Techniques: Tips for Throwing Complex Pottery Forms Using Basic Throwing Skills is now available for download! To give you an idea of the great stuff featured in this collection, I am posting an excerpt today.
June 12, 2009
Wheel Throwing Video: How to Throw a Bowl with a Scalloped Rim on the Potter’s Wheel
In this clear and concise video, Mark demonstrates how to make bowls with beautiful undulating rims using a couple of simple tools.
May 22, 2009
Wheel Throwing Video: How to Throw a Pitcher in Two Parts on the Pottery Wheel
In this great instructional pottery video, potter Nan Rothwell demonstrates throwing a pitcher in two parts on the pottery wheel, covering such processes as throwing in sections, bellying-out a form, making a spout, attaching a handle, and more.
May 11, 2009
In this video, Rosendale, New York, potter Ayumi Horie demonstrates her unconventional "dry throwing" method, along to some great tunes by Lullatone.
May 8, 2009
Wheel Throwing Video: One Pound of Clay - Making Mugs as a Warm-Up Exercise
In this excerpt from his full-length DVD Vessels for Victory, Matt Long demonstrates his mug-throwing technique and explains that making mugs is a great way to warm up in the studio. After all, you are more likely to let go and try new ideas when you are only working with one pound of clay.
