search  current discussion  categories  techniques - throwing 

throwing - the next step?

updated fri 21 jan 05

 

URL Krueger on wed 19 jan 05


After a couple years of working on it I can now center
fairly easily, throw bowls and mug bodies that at least
look somewhat similar and pull up a fairly tall and
straight sided cylinder. And that's about as far as the
books I've seen take you.

However, I seem to remember reading a passing reference once
about some rules, or perhaps guidelines is a better choice
of words, for shaping pots. Something like pull the
cylinder, now form the shoulder then belly the body (I just
made up that sequence and it is likely wrong).

Do you use any general rules on shaping a pot, or do you
just decide on the shape that you want and then pull, push
and squeeze as you see fit to coax the clay into that
shape?

Thanks...
--
Earl K...
Bothell WA, USA
Volunteer U.S. Marine Corps 1967-1971
If this war is so important to the United States,
why aren't Bush's daughters in the Military?
Wouldn't that be a fine example for the rest of us?

Elizabeth Priddy on wed 19 jan 05


I center, open, re-center, pull, make three pulls to get all the height I want
and then shape.

open and pull a cylinder the mean diameter of the pot you want in the end. That is the point halfway between the center of the pot and the widest point on it.

Then you can squeeze in and push out with the least distance to go from your starting cylinder.

Get more height than you want in the end as it will shorten slightly with shaping, and leave any section that you will be pressing out thicker as it will thin out.

Try shaping a form in a one pound piece first, the push pull is the same as in the larger pots.
Control is what you are going for now, control and sensitivity. Keep it wet if you throw fast and dry if you are slow.

The only form I do not make this way is plates and platters, which is different.

My website has a tips page that might be of interest for you.

Good luck.



URL Krueger wrote:
After a couple years of working on it I can now center
fairly easily, throw bowls and mug bodies that at least
look somewhat similar and pullI up a fairly tall and
straight sided cylinder. And that's about as far as the
books I've seen take you.


Elizabeth Priddy

252-504-2622
1273 Hwy 101
Beaufort, NC 28516
http://www.elizabethpriddy.com

---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
The all-new My Yahoo! – What will yours do?

Ivor and Olive Lewis on thu 20 jan 05


Dear Earl Kruger,
You have two hands, one which works the inside of the pot, the other
the outside.
Guideline 1 - Inner hand, pressing outwards below Outer hand as you
draw upwards will swell the diameter.
Guideline 2 - Outer hand pressing inwards below Inner hand above as
you draw upwards will diminish the diameter.
Guideline 3 - Points of contact on inside and on outside at same
elevation, no change in diameter as you draw upwards provided you do
not squeeze !
Guideline 4- Forefingers and thumbs of both hands coming together at
the same level on the outside will collar the diameter inwards and the
pot will simultaneously gain height
Guideline 5- Invent a profile that you wish to achieve and make a
sketch to contemplate as you throw. Make a cylinder that has your
intended height. Plan where and when you will move your hands and be
sure you know what you intend to achieve.
These were the instructions Bob Mason gave us in our second throwing
lesson.
Be aware that there are some forms which cannot be made without
special tricks. But you will be able to make "Standard Leach" jars,
teapot bodies or jugs.
Best regards,
Ivor Lewis.
Redhill,
S. Australia.

----- Original Message -----
From: "URL Krueger"
To:
Sent: Wednesday, 19 January 2005 7:47
Subject: Throwing - The next step?


> After a couple years of working on it I can now center
> fairly easily, throw bowls and mug bodies that at least
> look somewhat similar and pull up a fairly tall and
> straight sided cylinder. And that's about as far as the
> books I've seen take you.
>
> However, I seem to remember reading a passing reference once
> about some rules, or perhaps guidelines is a better choice
> of words, for shaping pots. Something like pull the
> cylinder, now form the shoulder then belly the body (I just
> made up that sequence and it is likely wrong).
>
> Do you use any general rules on shaping a pot, or do you
> just decide on the shape that you want and then pull, push
> and squeeze as you see fit to coax the clay into that
> shape?
>
> Thanks...
> --
> Earl K...
> Bothell WA, USA
> Volunteer U.S. Marine Corps 1967-1971
> If this war is so important to the United States,
> why aren't Bush's daughters in the Military?
> Wouldn't that be a fine example for the rest of us?
>
>
______________________________________________________________________
________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your
subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.