Περιγραφή θέματος

  • Introduction

    • After a lump of clay has been centered on the potter's wheel, it must be opened up and the base formed. This tutorial will discuss this opening up procedure as well as showing you what to do when things go wrong. Much like this video, it goes over lots of little details about how and why certain things are done. In this detailed guide, we're going over one thing, and that's how to open up the lump of clay and form the base. A centered lump is our starting point.

◄Step 7: Correcting Off-Center Clay
►Step 09: Opening Up for Bowls

  • Step 8: Different Techniques for Opening

    • 8.1
      This grip I use with my index finger and thumb is just one way of doing it, and the positions of my hands change depending on the size of the lump of clay.

    • 8.2
      But typically, this is what I do for this size.

    • 8.3
      Other potters will make a hole, raising both of their forearms on the wheel tray and plunge a few of their fingertips into the center.

      image

    • 8.4
      I personally don't like using this one because it feels awkward for my hands, and I feel as if it lacks support on the outside.

    • 8.5
      Then there's the classic method of plunging two thumbs into the middle and easing them out horizontally to form the base.

      image

    • 8.6
      Once again, I've just always found this technique quite uncomfortable, and I don't like that I'm exerting pressure in two different directions, whereas with the technique I use, both my finger and thumb pull towards my torso in the same direction, and my remaining fingers support the walls on the outside, helping keep the entire mass under control.

    • 8.7
      From a beginner's perspective, though, you should try all of these techniques, as you'll find that one might click with you more than others, and the shape and size of your hands will determine what feels best for you.

    • 8.8
      So experiment with them.

    • 8.9
      As long as you're sticking to the main principles of keeping your hands steady, gradually easing the clay out, and using enough water, anything will work.

◄Step 7: Correcting Off-Center Clay
►Step 09: Opening Up for Bowls