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is it centered yet? one answer.

updated sat 30 nov 96

 

Nils Lou on tue 12 nov 96

The answer is that if you have to ask, it isn't.

On Sun, 10 Nov 1996, Hatton wrote:

> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I used to dread the student's question, "Is it centered now?"
> I used to answer, "Gee, well, er, gosh, no, it doesn't seem to be."
> I always felt like the student thought I was being arbitrary or
> subjective. As if I were a referee with a bias in the clay's favor.
>
> I've since learned that the answer is, "Is any part of your body
> shaking." Since the student can't see if the clay is centered or
> feel it either, most can usually figure out if their arms or legs
> are vibrating. If the student can't tell that a hand or fingers
> are vibrating, they'll accept that if you point it out.
> FWIW Grace
>
>
>
> Fred and Grace Hatton, Hawley, PA
> hatton@microserve.com
>

Cobalt1994@aol.com on wed 13 nov 96

I think we better mention coning as a crucial step in knowing if a lump of
clay is centered. I can "center" a piece of clay so that it looks and feels
perfect, but when I throw a tall shape with it I run into all sorts of
problems. Coning the centered piece will test how well it's centered. A truly
centered piece of clay will handle coning without getting a wobble at the
top.
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Jennifer in Vermont
Thistle Hill Pottery
Montpelier, VT
Cobalt1994@AOL.com
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