How to Center Clay
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Sitting correctly at the pottery wheel is crucial for comfort, control, and efficiency when working with clay.
Positioning Yourself Close to the Wheel: Sit close enough to the wheel so that you're not reaching out too far to access the clay. Being too distant from the wheel can reduce your control and lead to discomfort over time.
Leg Placement: Scoot your chair or stool forward until your legs are comfortably around the tray or the metal wheel head. This position helps in stabilizing your body and gives you better control over the clay.
Aligning Your Body: Lean slightly forward so that your head is positioned directly over the lump of clay on the wheel. This alignment helps in providing a top-down view and more direct control over the centring and shaping of the clay.
Arm Positioning for Stability: Take your left arm (or your right arm if you are left-handed) and firmly tuck your elbow into your torso. This bracing technique helps in stabilizing your arm, making it easier to apply consistent pressure to the clay. Lean your upper body weight slightly forward onto the braced arm. This not only stabilizes your arm further but also helps in applying controlled pressure onto the clay without exerting excessive force.
Avoid Floating Elbows: Ensure that your elbows are not floating in the air while you're trying to centre or shape the clay. Elbows that aren't braced against your body can lead to shaky and inconsistent movements, making it difficult to maintain control over the clay. Tuck both elbows into your waist, using your body as a stabilizing anchor. This position allows you to leverage your upper body weight more effectively, providing a steady and controlled force to the clay.
Tips:
- Ensure your chair or stool is at a height that allows your thighs to be parallel to the floor or slightly angled downward towards your knees, promoting better posture.
- Take breaks as needed to stretch and relieve any tension in your back or shoulders. Maintaining a single position for too long can lead to discomfort or strain.
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