How to Learn to Throw Clay on a Potter's Wheel
The potter's wheel is a device that helps to make the process of shaping clay easier and more efficient. When creating a vase or other piece of pottery, you want to make sure that the sides are smooth and even. This can be tedious if the clay remains stationary. However, the rotation of the potter's wheel enables you to smooth out the clay evenly and rapidly. Throwing clay on a potter's wheel is one of the most crucial elements of the shaping procedure. In order to learn how to manipulate the clay on the potter's wheel, you first need to learn how to throw the clay on the wheel. Although this endeavor may appear difficult at first, with practice and the proper technique, it will become much easier.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Obtain a medium sized piece of clay and roll it into a ball. Then make the ball slightly more compact and flat at the top. Add some water to the clay. This will make the clay easier to manipulate.
-
2
Pour some water over the potter's wheel in order to make it moist. An excessive amount of water is not necessary; however, you need enough water to allow the clay to stick to the wheel firmly and be removed from the wheel without causing damage.
-
-
3
Stand behind the potter's wheel and hold up the ball of clay. Keep the ball about the same height as your head. Also, make sure that when you release the ball of clay, it will land at the center of the potter's wheel. Usually, holding the ball of clay at face level will achieve this objective.
-
4
Throw the ball of clay toward the center of the potter's wheel. Do not throw the ball with too much or too little force. You want the ball of clay to stick to the potter's wheel. If the ball of clay lands at the center of the potter's wheel and seems to be attached firmly, then you can turn on the wheel and begin shaping the clay. However, if the clay is off center, or is not stuck to the potter's wheel, then remove the clay and repeat the process.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Learning how to throw clay on a potter's wheel is a task that can be perfected through practice. Therefore, in order to learn, practice with a few pieces of clay before actually beginning to shape the piece.
