October 30, 2009
Wheel Throwing Video: How to Throw and Facet a Pitcher on the Pottery Wheel
 Pitchers are a project that I rarely take on. Not sure why. Well, maybe I do know why: I always end up with wimpy, anemic little spouts. And, guess what? Those spouts are not getting any less anemic because I am not practicing them because I rarely do pitchers. Well, this past weekend at the Expressive Surfaces workshop in Kansas City, I saw Lorna Meaden and Mark Peters make some deeeeee-licious pitchers and it has renewed my interest in the form. I think I got some of this pitcher action on video too, and after I sift through it all, I will certainly share whatever I can with you! But for now, I will tide you over with a great little video from Stephen Jepson on making a pitcher. Not only does Stephen address the spout factor, but he demonstrates a faceting technique that is loads of fun. Enjoy! - Jennifer Harnetty, editor. |
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This clip was excerpted from An Introduction to Throwing Pottery with Stephen Jepson, which is available in the Ceramic Arts Daily Bookstore. Order online and get free shipping! (U.S. orders only)  Finished faceted pitcher with a Temmoku Glaze. |
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Michael | October 30th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Nice video. One thing, though. I had trouble hearing it.
It could be my computer, though.
So disregard this if it’s just me!
Thanks.
jeri | October 30th, 2009 at 9:34 am
I couldn’t hear it well either…so maybe not just your computer!
Thanks…
Rosemary | October 30th, 2009 at 9:36 am
What the heck? As soon as it’s time to see him make the spout it goes to a wide shot. I guess that’s addressed in more detail in another video? Also, agree with Michael on the volume as well.
judy | October 30th, 2009 at 9:47 am
I couldn’t hear it either so it’s not your computer — I could not even finish it, there is no volume!
Steve | October 30th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Awesome video, amazing how fast he works.
Thanks for sharing.
And yes I had a little trouble hearing it as well.
Judi | October 30th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Nice video but sound problems as well..I would like to have seen a little more about attaching the handle at the top.
Jennifer | October 30th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Sorry folks! We didn’t have any trouble with the sound when testing. I will look into it and repost. - Jennifer Harnetty, editor.
Tess | October 30th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Awsome video! Definitely want to see more from him. (I did have to turn my computer up quite a ways to hear it.)
Keep the great videos coming!
Tess | October 30th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Oh, forgot to ask, what kind of wheel is he using?
cathy | October 30th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Video was great,sound was good also, but had to turn up. It all looks so easy.
Jennifer | October 30th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Just uploaded a new version of the video that should have improved sound quality. Please remember to adjust the volume on your computer when watching the videos.
viva | October 30th, 2009 at 11:23 am
what does he do about the uneven edges at the top of each facet?
sandy | October 30th, 2009 at 11:59 am
I had no problem with sound, but was unhappy when the camera moved too far back to really see what the potter was doing. He sure makes it look easy!
Amy | October 30th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Volume was great… thanks….. great video .. very inspiring.. and I want one of those wheels.. Standing that is.. Does he have more videos?
Mary | October 30th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I had no problem with sound either, but the camera moved too far back to really see much detail.
JC | October 30th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Very nice video. The sound was more on the right and almost nothing on the left. I Had to boost the left side and then it was good.
Eduardo | October 30th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Had the previlege of attending 3 workshops with Stephen, and looking at his hands moving around that pitcher is like a deja vue for me. The wheel is designed by himself as it is the system of plaster bats that I still use. It is a magnificent whell. Heavy and sturdy. He throws standing against a pad fixed to the wall, with strong lights hiting the work area from the top both sides. Probably ceramicarts daily should convince Mr.Jepson to give us an article on this wheel.
Thankyou for this video, and I had no problems with the sound at all.
adi | October 30th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
no problem with the sound, but i was also very unhappy with the camera zooming out when it was time to zoom in. liked the work and appreciate the handle instructions
Dianne | October 30th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
turned volume to max, but couldn’t make out the words. Amazing potter, tho.
Nina | October 30th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Poetry in motion. What a fluid (and fast) thrower! Though I would have enjoyed a close up when Stephen was pinching the spout.
shirley | October 30th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Wonderful video. No sound but enjoyed nevertheless. I would have appreciated seeing the finishing of the pulling and shaping (it jumped in time from part way to fully up and shaped); also how he finished the top of the upper edges of the facets–but maybe just need to try the process and figure it all out. Shirley
lessie | October 30th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
I have one of his videos. He’s a great functional potter. Would love to take a workshop with him. Makes me want to run out and throw one. Couldn’t hear well and also was frustrated when he was zoomed out while making the lip. ugh. Story of my life. Lessie
Debe | October 30th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
I agree the camera zoomed out when I wanted to see the detail. Also, I wished he had mentioned how much clay he used for the body and also for the handle.. The whole handle part went by a bit too fast for me. (sound was fine)
Nancy | October 30th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Fantastic video, although I too had difficulty w/the audio, and would have liked a closer view of the spout and handle pulling. He makes it look so easy! Nancy
Linda | October 30th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
I had no difficulty with the sound, and enjoyed watching Stephen working again. I attended one of his workshops a few years ago and realized that he truly is a master potter. Linda
marcie | October 31st, 2009 at 9:48 am
Yippee! Been throwing for many years and skirt around the spouts…Jepson..thanks. going in and trying it on my cone 5 Lagunna “Frost” porcelain! By the way..”the claw” is cool too..might get my Frost past 15″…smiles and hi to fellow potters…if ever you are on St. Simons Island..look me up…folks at Gallery 209 in Brunswick will know how to find me. Its always good to connect with potters from the good ole days! Marcie Blizzard
lana | October 31st, 2009 at 5:46 pm
I’m so glad I read “comments”. I thought there was something wrong with my sound.
Lana
Genevieve | November 1st, 2009 at 4:05 am
Great guy! Thanks.
Gareth | November 1st, 2009 at 4:31 am
Yes sound was low but still ok. Great video and enjoyed every bit.
Cheers
Gareth (Wales)
louise | November 1st, 2009 at 1:13 pm
love it—just what i needed to see this week.
Jerry | November 1st, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Had no trouble with the volume. It was great! except would have liked to have seen a closer view of the making of the spout.
sandi | November 1st, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Inspiring! Could we please have a close-up (slowed-down!) viewing of making the spout….one day?
Fantastic throwing technique.
Has anyone heard of Franz Kukowitz, Austrian Master potter, RCA Vienna? I’m trying to find him.
Diane | November 1st, 2009 at 10:26 pm
great video, would have liked to have known the weight of clay he was starting with as well as a close up of how he pulled the lip. over all very nice.
Michael | November 1st, 2009 at 11:44 pm
It looks to me that he’s started with about 2-2.5# of clay.
MATINA | November 2nd, 2009 at 10:34 am
kalo video,den eixa hxo.to telos den eida……………………………………………………………………………..
D | November 3rd, 2009 at 8:21 am
Loved watching the process….
I was also disappointed that the spout was done wide angle.
Might be nice to know what tools were used to create the lip, that was vague.
What clay was used, and in order to facet…..how thick was the pot left for slicing?
Overall…..I enjoyed this.
ann | November 3rd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Yet another excellent video and what a nice man! I had no trouble with the sound. I will look into buying this (with p/p to UK!)
Lynda | November 6th, 2009 at 10:47 am
I enjoyed the video, didn’t have problem with the sound. I would like to have seen how he dealt with cleaning up at the top of the faucet work, and it would have been good to have a close up shot when he was pulling the spout. Keep the videos coming!
Mellissa | November 6th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
I didn’t have problems with the sound, but I wish it was zoomed in more. Especially when he did the spout I couldn’t see it very well. Loved the video other wise. Thanks!
michelle | November 13th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
An excellent video, informative but concise. Thanks