Making better pots

Pittsburgh Pottery Classes for Adults
at Fireborn Studios

Making Better Pots

Adult Classes

Use more lubrication, that is water, but remember to empty the splash pan before
it overflows. First spin the clay, then touch the clay gently, slowly applying more
pressure. Don't twitch or jerk your hands, use steady pressure. Don't goose the
foot pedal either. Sudden changes in wheel speed jerk the pot off center. When
pulling up, throwing lines should be close together. To achieve this, pull up slowly
relative to the speed the wheel is turning. The slower the wheel spins, the slower
you ascend. Slow the wheel speed as you ascend and get close to the top of the
pot. Also slow the wheel speed when you work on wide or delicate forms. Don't
make the lips too thin and wimpy.

Making better pots: Work quickly. Maximum of 15 minutes per pot. Make the pot
grow with each pull. Don't waste time on off center pots. Trash the pot as soon as
it gets off center. Keep the walls uniform in thickness. Never create a thin spot in
the middle. Weigh your clay. Begin with light weights. When you can make a good
2 pound pot, try using 3 pounds and making larger versions. Practice making tall
cylinders. Don't save them, practice making them taller and thinner!

How to make beautiful pots: Master the above. Look at pots in galleries and
books. Sketch the forms you like. Use tracing paper for symmetry. Bring your
sketch bookto to class and use it! Use ribs when you throw to get clean, flowing
curves. Give yourself the authority to be bold and decisive. Wimpy is always bad!
Work in sets. Make 5 similar things. Evaluate and discard the weak forms and
pots. Come to class with a plan. Know what forms you want to work on. Ask for
help when you need it.

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Throwing Exercises