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can throw cylinder--what's next

updated sat 3 nov 01

 

clennell on fri 2 nov 01


Sour Cherry Pottery

> i have been throwing for about 5 years, but i am a closet feeble wedger
> and centerer (tho i feel quite liberated now that that is out). i can
> throw a cylinder, plate, make a spoon vase. what i am wondering is is
> there a typical or suggested progression route? i have been hesitant to
> make handles and lids, tho i have done it, because in geneeral,
> measuring and symmetry and "perfection" are harder and until now i tried
> to find ways around them. (also i llike the look of funky, unsymmetrical
> work too) but i think i am ready to grow in my skill and am willing to
> throw more skillful pots than in the past. so what is next, and thanks
> for letting me share.
>
> hani

hani: glad to hear you're progressing. You can make a cylinder , now make a
good one. A skillful cylinder is a nice jug, a vase, a jar, a mug, a beer
keg. Free beer with a good cylinder. I luv American marketing.
Cheers,
Tony

Rick Hugel on fri 2 nov 01


There have been long essays on training experiences on CLAYART and the
demands put on the learner until a single form has been mastered. Oft
times it takes throwing thousands of the same form. Maybe this seems like
unnecessary (overkill) effort/practice. Its not. Teaching/training your
fingers to sense what is being felt between the left and right hands takes
time. When shopping, one of the things people automatically do is to reach
out(with one hand) and feel f the object between the thumb and first and
second fingers. This is never done using the fingers of of both hands on
either side of the item to judge it for thickness, weight, fineness, or
whatever. Why? Because without training accurate judgement can't be made.
This is the reason so much practice is necessary in potting - or any other
field for that matter. The fingers of both hands used in tandem on either
side of the pot need to be trained to do what people do so naturally with
one hand.
You say you can throw a cylinder, plate, etc. That is very good. How many
of the same item can you consistently make identical to the previous one?
There are a lot of potters who make one of a kind items, "funky" items,
etc., but I bet they learned - first of all - how to make(throw) identical
items until they were able to do it with their eyes closed. Learning how
to do this comes before "funky". WAY BEFORE. So do what your teacher
tells you, but as someone else has suggested, try different hand position,
angles, pressure points, finger tip aspects, hand/finger curves,
wrist-hand-forearm positions in relation to your torso, seat height, feet
position. Everyone is different. Good luck and good centering.

>i have been throwing for about 5 years, but i am a closet feeble wedger
>and centerer (tho i feel quite liberated now that that is out). i can
>throw a cylinder, plate, make a spoon vase. what i am wondering is is
>there a typical or suggested progression route? i have been hesitant to
>make handles and lids, tho i have done it, because in geneeral,
>measuring and symmetry and "perfection" are harder and until now i tried
>to find ways around them. (also i llike the look of funky, unsymmetrical
>work too) but i think i am ready to grow in my skill and am willing to
>throw more skillful pots than in the past. so what is next, and thanks
>for letting me share.
>
>hani
>
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David and Hani on fri 2 nov 01


i have been throwing for about 5 years, but i am a closet feeble wedger
and centerer (tho i feel quite liberated now that that is out). i can
throw a cylinder, plate, make a spoon vase. what i am wondering is is
there a typical or suggested progression route? i have been hesitant to
make handles and lids, tho i have done it, because in geneeral,
measuring and symmetry and "perfection" are harder and until now i tried
to find ways around them. (also i llike the look of funky, unsymmetrical
work too) but i think i am ready to grow in my skill and am willing to
throw more skillful pots than in the past. so what is next, and thanks
for letting me share.

hani