Carrie or Peter Jacobson on fri 29 sep 00
Fred Paget asked about George E Ohr's "throwing trick" and how to replicate
it.
Fred, I don't think it was a "trick." I think it was simple manipulation of
the clay, performed after the throwing. Ohr threw his pieces paper-thin,
many of them, and then used his fingers and hands and god knows what else to
bend, twist, fold and ripple his little "mud babies."
Was this something he did on the wheel? I doubt it, though of course, I
could be wrong.
To find a way to do it, you will have to experiment with your own clay and
your own skill. I can tell you from experience that the thinner you can
throw, the better chance you have of achieving a glimpse of the fluidity and
rhythm that was Ohr's trademark. The man was an incredible production
potter, as well as an art potter. Much of his ability to work with clay came
from his relentless throwing and passionate personality.
Also look in Ceramics Monthly this month at the article about a potter who
is doing some fascinating and beautiful manipulation, that made me think of
Ohr.
Carrie Jacobson
Bolster's Mills, Maine
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