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Getting to know the wheel can be intimidating, but you'll find your way through some trial and error with muddy hands. Some if it comes down to getting used to your body interacting with the wheel and clay, and some of it comes from learning proper technique. Luckily, our amazing '24-25 TA, Tobi, provided the following resources to help out.
Getting to know the wheel can be intimidating, but you'll find your way through some trial and error with muddy hands. Some if it comes down to getting used to your body interacting with the wheel and clay, and some of it comes from learning proper technique. Luckily, our amazing '24-25 TA, Tobi, provided the following resources to help out.
okie dokie, so here are some that i found helpful when i was starting (and even recently after long stretches w/o throwing):
this is a series and its on the longer side, but still super helpful! i liked this series because each video covers different parts of throwing
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2WJhtTF0eGhQwf8g2LHcom_KrvJpH_JT
this is an older short video of throwing a bowl,the quality isnt great (its from nearly 15 years ago!) but it's clear enough and you can see all of her movements clearly - i watched this one a lot when i started throwing because it was super easy to follow for me!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9-hAJ8IrmU
this is a minute-long video of a person throwing a pot, its super fast but you can see whats happening
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mmIdJTizM-k?feature=share
Top teacher tips
Top teacher tips
Before you turn on the wheel:
Actually wedge your clay. You'll save yourself time if you invest in preparing good clay.
"Pre-center" by getting your clay on the wheel head as close to centered as possible.
Really seal the clay onto the wheel head so there's no chance of water getting under the clay.
Wheel on:
Move your seat in close. Most students have their nose positioned directly above their clay when they're centering clay well.
Anchor your elbows: If you feel the clay is moving you, you need to bring more stability! Do this with a steady body leaning weight into the clay.
Pulling a wall is SLOOOOOOOOW. Keywords: gentle, smooth, stable pressure, soft transitions
Be a "good driver": Don't constantly switch from fast to slow on the peddle. Maintain a super smooth and gentle touch so your clay doesn't get thrown off balance.
Use more of your clay! Beginners often leave a lot of great clay around the base of the pot. You can often do one more pull and get clay from the base up into a substantially taller/wider wall.
Trimming:
There are a lot of good ways to trim, as there are plenty of good ways to throw a pot.
Here is a good option for beginning potters:
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