Susan Setley on sat 13 dec 03
Hi. I accidentally deleted the post I wanted to respond to. I hope the
original poster sees this.
I also have CP although I'm lucky as a potter in that it only affects my
legs. I think there may be other issues in addition to the tremors, which may be
at least partly a matter of hand or arm position ...
It takes a fair amount of strength to center. I can't speak to your CP but
mine definitely affects the amount of strength in my legs.
HOWEVER -- Several catalogs show appendages you can attach to a wheel to
center the clay for you.
If you find that hand positions make a big difference, then you may find that
modified tools may help you. For instance, there may be a way to strap tools
to your tool hand. You might find that using plastic to cut specially-shaped
ribs might work very well for you. You might find that you have trouble with
vertical forms but not horizontal ones, such as plates.
You might find that even if there are only a few forms you can throw, you can
use them to add attractive features to your hand-built pieces. For instance,
you could throw a slab of clay, put a spiral in it to show that it has been
thrown , let it leather up some, and then use it as a rolled slab for
contructing.
You may find that you can throw some forms but not pull handles, but Kemper
makes handle-cutters in two different sizes. I use them more for trimming, and
with the right adaptations you might find they work well for you for that
purpose too.
You might find that jigs help you. Jigs are pieces of plastic cut in the
shape of the piece. After the basic piece is started, you use your hand on the
inside, gently press the piece against the jig, and shape the piece. Maybe the
armature for centering could be used to hold a jig instead of the piece of metal
it holds for centering.
I would suggest that you start with a very creative exploration of what hand
and arm positions are best. Maybe even sitting on an angle might help. Explore
it some. Watch other potters and think "How could a tool, or my hand/arm
position, be modified?
Also observe your arms and see if some positions or movements aggravate it or
ease it. See if doing any kinds of exercises might help the control you have
over your hands. This was true of my legs.
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