Penny LaRocque on fri 3 may 96
dear clayarters:
i've been wondering about the pitfalls of trying to teach myself throwing
techniques. i took one throwing class, which i felt was rather lacking in
its detail, and in the teacher's attention to my skill-building, so i am
considering going it alone. i have access to a studio at my old school and
have been collecting all sorts of books on the subject, but am interested to
know what you all think about the pros and cons of going this route. i
don't want to teach myself bad habits--if that's possible. anybody?
TIA
Penny
penny@thoughtport.com
Kristin Conrad on fri 3 may 96
Penny,
From someone who has been going this route (I have taken two 8 week
throwing classes over the past 4 years), I have mixed feelings about it.
While through constant practice, I know I am getting more skilled, and
admittedly I like a quiet studio environment as opposed to the classroom
situation, I know that I would improve much faster with some well-
placed suggestions and constructive criticism. There are times that I
spend a lot of time going through books to try to solve a throwing
problem that could probably be solved quickly if I had a teacher to ask,
or could just watch the proper technique being demonstrated. I think
the self taught route can be wonderful if you are dedicated and know
when to ask for help (i.e. clayart and possible through workshops).
I don't tend to think that you will develop "bad habits" that you
don't know about, though. They tend to come right out and bite you
when rims are uneven or cracks appear in the bases, etc.
There are many "self-taught" potters on this list judging by former
conversations on the topic. For me, it is highly rewarding if I
know when to ask for help.
Kristin Conrad
Rollinsville, CO
Michelle Campbell on fri 3 may 96
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>dear clayarters:
>
>i've been wondering about the pitfalls of trying to teach myself throwing
>techniques. (snip)
>Penny
>penny@thoughtport.com
>
Hi Penny,
Don't worry, you can, by and large, teach yourself to throw. I know, for
the greater part, I did it.
But there are more ways to learn from others than at classes. If there is a
better thrower than you when you are working at the studio, watch and ask
questions.
Maybe get a video tape. Maybe plan to take a week long course at a college.
I did all these things. I brought my video camera to college with me, and
with the instructor's permission, I taped demos for later reference. They
were invaluable.
The week at college was a wonderful holiday JUST FOR ME!!! Time away from
husband and kids that did me and my potting a world of good. So good, I did
it three years in a row. The first time, I even got grants to go, because
I was the only one willing to teach in the club I belonged to, but felt I
wasn't good enough. I had so much fun, I would have felt guilty to apply
for another grant!
Good Luck!
Michelle Campbell
Lacka Creek Pottery
Drayton Valley, Alberta
Charles Gaudi on sat 4 may 96
Put your hands in the clay and do it and do it and do it until you've thrown
at least a ton of clay. That the only real way. There are no "bad" habits
other than putting you fingers in your mouth. When your happy with the pots
you are a potter!
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>dear clayarters:
>
>i've been wondering about the pitfalls of trying to teach myself throwing
>techniques. i took one throwing class, which i felt was rather lacking in
>its detail, and in the teacher's attention to my skill-building, so i am
>considering going it alone. i have access to a studio at my old school and
>have been collecting all sorts of books on the subject, but am interested to
>know what you all think about the pros and cons of going this route. i
>don't want to teach myself bad habits--if that's possible. anybody?
>
>TIA
>
>Penny
>penny@thoughtport.com
>
>
| |
|
