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Cermaic art and pottery

Much ceramic art and pottery starts on the potter's wheel. So, just how would you go about it if faced with a lump of clay?

Firstly, cut the clay off the block with a wire cutter. Then, you weigh it out, in order that you know how much
volume a pound two pounds of clay is and what size objects it will make. This connection isvery important.

If you want to do production work, each piece should weigh the same amount. Do the weighing first.

Stand the clay firmly on one edge. Wedging will get you in tune (touch) with the clay you are working with. Wedging will help align the clay particles. Even clay that is 100% de-aired can benefit fromthis procedure.

Holding your left hand still, pull your right top edge towards you. Continue to pull your right top edge towards you. Now, start to simultaneously push the right edge away from you and down towards the center, using the heel of your palm.

This process "folds" the clay onto itself and creates spiral alignment. Your right hand will do most of the work. Your left hand will guide the action and keep the unit on a pivot.

Keep the clay on a tight pivot and turn it 1/4 turn before your right hand pushes away and and down towards the center. You will develop a rhythm after practicing for a while.

Your clay will now resemble a conch shell. Lighten-up the pressure on the last few turns to round out the lower right edge. Holding the clay on its side, pat the bottom smooth and round.

Aim for the center of your bat or wheel head and firmly slap (throw) it down. Wedge the clay and "throw" the clay onto the center of the wheel head.

Give the clay a few drops of water, enough to allow your clay to flow through your hands without dragging. When you feel a drag, add a few more drops. Plant your elbows firmly on your thighs
and pull your upper arms tightly to your
upper torso for support.

Let the wheel begin to turn slowly. You want to put a firm pressure on both sides of the clay around the bottom. Place your head above the center of the clay to align your vision and center your pressure.

Using your locked thumbs as a pivot, push down with your right hand. Your left hand will control the outside edge. Slide your right hand slowly down from the top to the bottom. This movement will help round the shape into a nice mound shape.Notice that the left arm is pushing in a straight line into the clay and that the top right hand is pushing straight down.

Using your arms in a straight line will help keep pressure off your wrists. You do not need high wheel head speed. Slow to moderate will do just fine. Notice how much water spin is showing on the wheel head.

Repeat the right hand down-slide several times. With this method you can be centered in just a few moves. You know your clay is centered when you can hold your hands lightly around the clay and you do not feel any wobble or movement

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