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stoke on trent wedging

updated sat 22 oct 05

 

Marek & Pauline Drzazga-Donaldson on fri 21 oct 05


Dear Daniel,

Stoke on Trent in the UK is known as The Potteries, allthough these days =
there are very few factories lef. It is a way of preparing very large =
amounts of clay efficiently - obviously small amounts too. Having =
previously kneaded some clay, knock all the bits into one block using =
the table as a surface to flatten the shape somewhat, turn the block =
completely over so that the surface that was in contact with the table =
is uppermost, lift slightly turn through 90 degrees and drop the end =
part of the block onto the table whilst still holding the top (part =
nearest to you), so you get part of the block on the table with the main =
part projecting off the surface at an angle of 45, wedging up towards =
you. Using a cutting wire along the table surface pull under the clay =
until you meet the part firmly on the table, pull the wire vertically =
upwards and across to one side, place the wire down, pick up the cut off =
block by the sides with your hands as paddles (don't stick your fingers =
everywhere) hoidt the block up and as it is rising flip it over so that =
you are cupping the block from under the block not from the side. =
Keeping your hands in contact with the clay come smartly downwards =
towards the rest of the block on the table. Do not try and reach for it =
just trust your aim. The downward moving clay should meet the clay on =
the table cut edge to cut edge and flat face will join flat flat face at =
an angle and not smack on top, so it will not trap air. Keep your hands =
on the clay as it makes contact to increase the downward momentum. The =
weight of the clay does the work, not the strength in your arms. You =
should end up with a flattened "D" shape with the cut faces making the =
straight stroke of the D.
The knack is to keep the block on the table at arms length and trust =
that the arc of the downward movement will meet the main block on the =
table. Using your hands as paddles jiggle the curved part opf the D, the =
furthest section from you so that the clay releases itself from the =
table surface, turn it right over so the surface that was on the table =
is uppermost, pick it up by the sides turn it through 90 and pull your =
furthest hand away to let that part of the block to drop down onto the =
table whilst holding the nearest part so that part is clear of the table =
surface, so you are back toi the beginning, repeat the process, and when =
you turn the clay over alternate one time one way then the other - this =
helps to mix it even further.
The beauty of this method is not only the efficiency ( it take only a =
few minutes to wedge a large amount ) , but you can also see what is =
happening inside the clay, which you cannot when you just knead. It is =
an explosive and a very rewarding way to get clay into a perfect loose =
association and energised state that pugging or kneading cannot attain.

happy potting Marek www.no9uk.com www.moley.uk.com