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sv: lesson plan suggestions for a beginner?

updated sat 4 dec 99

 

Alisa and Claus Clausen on wed 1 dec 99

------------------

Hi Sue,
I understand your desire to have a more directed throwing session.
Although I am not new at throwing (well, half new, only 20 years compared to
others) but
I am isolated right now as far as mentors. I lament in fact, not having =
someone
=22expecting=22
something of me. Probably why I am somewhat depressed after a recent show I
participated
in. As soon as I came home I detached myself from those pots and had a new
mental image of
what I hope to reach next time. I think with no mentors it can be easy to
become self indulging as well as overly critical all at the same time.

This is what I do for =22training=22. Throwing is, after all, athletic.
Here is my suggestion for =22reps=22:
(one full set at a time, nothing else inbetween, how many sets you do is up =
to
your mind, body and time)

10 ca. 7=22 cylinders cut over to check for eveness and =
bottom
thickness
5 ca. 2lb. bowls my particular focus is using a =
flexible
rib inside for a fluid curve
I want the inside curve =
to be
same as the outside curve
5 ca. 4lb. bowls I get more creative here with rims,
flanges, and depth
5 ca. 9 in. dia. plates I throw 5 of the same, but change rims=
and
flanges. I use
a wood rib to even the =
eating
surface of the plates.
8 coffee mugs I vary the form from session to =
session
8 cylinders of any height I practice spouts

Pull handles I try to pull handles for mugs and =
then
for pitchers.
I attach them to the =
spouted
cylinders (even though everything is
too soft, I aim to attach =
the
handles so that where they are attached
at the top and bottom are
parrallel. It helps enormously to attach the
top of the handle first, =
and
lightly press the bottom of the handle
where you think it should =
be.

Hold the cup to eye level =
with
the handle away from your nose
and check that where your
handles are connecting
are parrallel to each =
other.
If they are not, you have a chance to move
the bottom of the handle =
to a
better place. Holding the cup eye level
has really helped me get =
the
handles on straight.

I think everyone may have favorite forms, not because they are easy, but =
because
they like them.
Right now I like to throw completely closed forms because I saw a program =
about
a Scottish woman who threw rocks. She lined them all up on the beach and =
let
them swim away.

I also know that if I do not train, I get into throwing forms that I like =
only,
and that doesn't mean forms that I can sell.

Lastly, I think it is a good idea to set out to throw something definite, =
rather
then let the clay throw you=21 Of couse sometimes it happens you just throw=
for
throwing sake. These excercises are to come further in your technical =
potting
skills.

Have fun, good luck
Alisa in Denmark

Helvi Abatiell on fri 3 dec 99


In a message dated 12/1/99 2:56:28 PM, Aliskin@mail.dk writes:

<< Right now I like to throw completely closed forms because I saw a program
about

a Scottish woman who threw rocks. She lined them all up on the beach and let

them swim away.

>>

Alice,
When you throw closed forms, don't you still need a pinhole so they don't
explode? (I'm making rattles for future musicians with beads on the inside.)
Did this woman actually watch them float away? What a wonderful
experience!!!
I wish I lived near the beach if only to experience that once!!

Helvi
in cold Rutland, Vermont- snow dusting on everything is quite beautiful!