Course: How to Center Clay — A Beginner's Guide, Topic: Step 9: Gripping and Centering

Topic outline

Introduction
- Select activity Centering the clay is the cornerstone of throwing ...
  
  Centering the clay is the cornerstone of throwing on the wheel. It's the process that must be done before any pot can be formed, and the aim of this tutorial is to go over that process in exact detail, alongside discussing many of the tips and tricks learned over the years.

Step 9: Gripping and Centering
- Select activity 9.1 Squeeze the lump of clay with all of your digi...
  
  9.1
  Squeeze the lump of clay with all of your digits of your left hand, as if gripping a ball tightly.
- Select activity 9.2 Lean in with your left arm, and push down from...
  
  9.2
  Lean in with your left arm, and push down from the top with your right hand.
- Select activity 9.3 Ensure the clay conforms to the shape you've g...
  
  9.3
  Ensure the clay conforms to the shape you've given it, rather than following the wobbling piece of clay.
- Select activity Image Step 9.1 - 9.3
  
  Image Step 9.1 - 9.3
- Select activity 9.4 Every potter centers a little bit differently....
  
  9.4
  Every potter centers a little bit differently. We all follow a similar set of rules, but ultimately our hands are all different sizes and shapes, and that affects how we hold them and use them for this process. So don't be surprised when you see potters doing this process but with their hands in different positions.
- Select activity 9.5 One thing that's important is to not let the c...
  
  9.5
  One thing that's important is to not let the clay control your movements. Position your arm and your hands so securely that the soft wet clay has no other place to go other than the area you've designated for it.