L. P. Skeen on fri 19 nov 04
Dori,
I used to throw standing up, and when I did, I had the front of the wheel
against a wall. Then I used my body mass (ok, no jokes from the peanut
gallery who knows me) to center. Works GREAT, but I never could throw tall
stuff while standing, so I sat back down.
L
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dori Grandstrand"
> I did have a question regarding the throwing-standing-up idea. I have
tried this before, but it felt like I couldn't get enough leverage or
stability. When standing, there was nothing to brace against when
centering, as opposed to sitting down, you can brace/rest your arms on your
legs/knees and/or tuck your elbows into your body. What do you use for
"support" when standing up?
Dori Grandstrand on fri 19 nov 04
Thank you everyone for your generous input regarding my "throwing" pains! I am trying several of your suggestions, including Yoga/stretching, which helps a great deal. Considering my neck/shoulders hurt even when sitting at the computer, plus I drive metro buses for a living at my "other" job, I guess this is just something I'll have to deal with ...
I did have a question regarding the throwing-standing-up idea. I have tried this before, but it felt like I couldn't get enough leverage or stability. When standing, there was nothing to brace against when centering, as opposed to sitting down, you can brace/rest your arms on your legs/knees and/or tuck your elbows into your body. What do you use for "support" when standing up? Also, I'm only 5'4", and when throwing taller vessels, it felt like I was having to hold my arms in the air too much when pulling for height, which also causes my neck/shoulders to hurt.
I loved the suggestions for well-endowed women ... alas, I am not one of them. I do keep myself in good physical shape, though, by running several times a week, yoga, etc. Since I feel I am just beginning to hit my stride in pottery, I certainly don't want a little pain to stop me, but I also don't want to increase it or cause it if I can avoid it. If throwing/standing is better, why do all the college classes sit down over the wheel? Further suggestions regarding throwing while standing would be greatly appreciated. Again, many, many thanks for your generous suggestions!
--- Dori Grandstrand, Sultanarts Studio
Carl Finch on sat 20 nov 04
At 11:28 AM 11/19/2004, Dori Grandstrand wrote:
>I did have a question regarding the throwing-standing-up idea.
>I have tried this before, but it felt like I couldn't get enough
>leverage or stability. When standing, there was nothing to
>brace against when centering, as opposed to sitting down,
>you can brace/rest your arms on your legs/knees and/or tuck
>your elbows into your body. What do you use for "support"
>when standing up?
Dori, this may help:
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2003 23:06:14 -0500
From: David Hendley
Subject: Re: Throwing while standing
"Throwing standing up" is somewhat of a misnomer. What I, and
most other standing throwers, do is actually "throwing while leaning".
To me, it is actually pretty tiring to stand. Leaning, with bent knees
and most of my weight on one leg, however, is relaxing.
You need to position your wheel so you have a wall, shelf, or some
other stationary object to lean against.
The best article to read on the subject is on line at the Studio Potter
website, at http://www.studiopotter.org/articles/?art=art0008
In it John Glick shows you how to build a brace to lean against.
--Carl
in Medford, Oregon
Cindy on sat 20 nov 04
Hi, Dori
Throwing standing isn't necessarily better--but it is better for some
people. I think for most, but that's just my opinion.
To brace, I place my right elbow in front of my body and push on the clay
with the heel of my hand while leaning into the wheel. If it's really a lot
of clay, I support my right hand with my left hand. This requires slippery
clay--best time to use a lot of water if you're gonna. The wheel has to be
sitting against a wall or some other support.
For smaller amounts of clay, I just put a hand on each side of the clay and
gentle it into place. I also may pull the clay toward me with both hands.
Either of these methods is much easier on the wrists than pushing.
The more you center, the more you will realize that there are a million
different ways to do it. The best way is the way that puts the least stress
on your wrists, so I prefer the second and third ways, or a combination
thereof. You can even use these methods in large part for bigger plugs of
clay.
For tall pots, I stand on something--preferably something stable. ;)
Best wishes,
Cindy in SD
Janet Kaiser on sun 21 nov 04
I know that sceptics will throw their hands up in horror, but
when did that ever stop me posting? LOL! If all the hints, tips
and advise on changing working position, posture, supportive
clothing, techniques, exercise, therapy and so on do not help the
problem, what then?
A person of my acquaintance who would need a DD bra at least,
began complaining of neck and shoulder pains shortly after
starting a job involving both driving, lifting fairly heavy
loads (home collection & delivery) and ironing. She was given a
shoulder "halter" with magnets to try out by a friend and found
great relief within the first couple of days. She now wears it
when out on the road and ironing (but not at home or at other
times) and swears it is the only way she can physically keep up
with her work...
To be honest, I have tried it out with absolutely no change, but
that proves nothing either way, now does it? My problems are
nothing like hers or yours either, so this may be an option to
try out? At least if you know about it, you can take it into
consideration. And if not 24/7 then at least whilst driving in
your day job...? That being the major physical action in your
life.
You will probably know someone who swears by magnetic therapy and
a lot of research is currently being done, including those
magnets you place on the mattress to sleep upon at night, but
there have been no final results as far as I know. Apparently
they all recommend drinking more water (pure) as part of the
therapy, but then most of us apparently do not drink enough
anyhow. Unlike more civilised countries where a glass of water is
on the go all day as well as night!
Like any other aches and pains, it depends a lot on what is
actually the cause and what your precise symptoms are. I
currently have two spectacular "Baker's knees" which is like
tennis elbow but which magnets are not going to help, as I know
from experience. Rest will. Raising feet above body level will
too. Best is syphoning off the fluid and/or injecting steroids
under the kneecaps... Ouch!
But as anyone who suffers chronic pain knows, they will try
anything once. It is fine if it works and it certainly does not
have to be scientifically proven before I try out anything
non-intrusive or complimentary/holistic. The only thing is that
there will be no instant cure and the best way of curing pain is
to avoid the causes. Hope you find a gentle way of solving the
problem.
Sincerely
Janet Kaiser
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