Throwing 101

Before getting down to the mechanics of throwing, we need to make a few important points.

Making pottery is a skill, a craft.  Like learning to play an instrument, it take many hours of practice and patience. And more practice. Here at PrattMWP, with both college and continuing learners, practice time will vary greatly as one group of students is taking the class for credit, the other is more recreational. In either case, quality practice or "wheel time" is important.

Everyone learns at a different pace. Just keep practicing. A note book is absolutely necessary. There is too much information to absorb at once. The note book is your reference when the instructor is not nearby. We will break the process down into a clear, concise set of hand positions.  Some simple memorization will help immensely.

Finally, have fun. There are many challenges but there is always something new to learn. What better way to spent your time!

Over the next few post we will demonstrate the craft of throwing of a standard cylinder.  To start, we need to explain some important concepts-

1. You throw with your entire body.  Your hands are the most obvious part of the mechanics of throwing, but- You throw from the hips and with your legs.  

legs up, shoulders down, nose down

Your hips are your base. They don't move while you work. Place your bottom on the stool or seat away from the wheel so when bending forward your nose is over the center of the wheel. 

elbows on legs, close to hips

Your legs are a source of strength. Place you right leg on the pedal (best for throwing with the wheel turning counter clockwise) or stirrups so the knee is slightly above the splash pan. Use a brick or two to prop up the left leg so it is the same height as the leg on the pedal. Like Susan Sommers' "thigh master" commercial of years ago, squeeze the splash plan. This will get your legs involved, making a strong connection to the hips. As you bend over the wheel, place your elbows on your thighs as close to the hips as comfortable. This is the best position for throwing.  It is not great for the back, true. We will talk about that in another post.

So- hips, legs, and hands. Keep you elbows on your legs close to the hips and your nose down.  Finally, relax the shoulders!  You should work from strength and technique, not tension.  

2. Learn and develop a rhythm while throwing.  I like to use a simple mantra to keep students on track:  "Lubricate/work/relax and release- lubricate/work/relax and release." Say it over a few times and you get a nice sing-song lilt that sticks with you. This will slow you down and remind you of some important details that will make your effort easier and successful. We will talk more about this as we go on. Photos to follow...