Joe_L 64 Report post Posted November 14, 2015 Hello everyone! I'm a hobby potter returning to pottery after 15 years in the wilderness. For too long career and family commitments have kept me away. The local community studio closed some time ago along with college evening classes so nothing for it but to set up on my own. To be honest I was outgrowing those facilities as you can't pursue your own materials and techniques and you're not in control of firing etc so it is definitely time to step out in to the unknown... AARGH scary, but what fun! Got myself on a course over the summer as a refresher and confidence booster, and now just got my own wheel and my first batch of clay. Spending my time now practicing wedging and reviving my throwing skills. I warned my wife I've decided not to make anything for quite some time yet as I'm just practicing skills - cylinder, slice, cylinder, slice, cylinder, slice, you know the routine. Nice vase - is it really nice enough? Should I keep it? Should I slice it? Please, please, please can I keep...no...(wimper).....SLICE. Boy that's hard on the ego I've also ordered a single phase electric kiln. I even remembered to got the electrician to visit before ordering so I know there'll be no problem there.Then when it turns up in a few weeks that's yet another learning curve. What on earth have I launched myself into? Joe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldlady 2,039 Report post Posted November 15, 2015 heaven. 4 Joe_L, vinks, janiebgood and 1 other reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Denice 460 Report post Posted November 15, 2015 Welcome to the world of potting you will be exasperated, bewildered and frustrated and at the same time excited, enthused and enthralled. Denice 2 Joe_L and janiebgood reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRankin 186 Report post Posted November 15, 2015 It feels great, doesn't it? Paul Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flowerdry 129 Report post Posted November 15, 2015 Lifelong journey. Enjoy. And...stick with the forum for advice, support, commiseration, and lots of great information. 1 janiebgood reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Callie Beller Diesel 1,392 Report post Posted November 15, 2015 Blissful insanity. Welcome! 2 Joe_L and janiebgood reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chilly 598 Report post Posted November 15, 2015 Hi Joe. Welcome to the forum, and to a small number of UK members. Where are you? North/South/East/West? I'm in the South-East, which is a barren place for a potter (hobby only) to be. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sallyd 5 Report post Posted November 15, 2015 Happy times ahead. Hope your wife has an all-consuming hobby too, 'cos she isn't going to see much of you! Sally 1 Joe_L reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amy Eberhardt 56 Report post Posted November 15, 2015 Sounds like you're diving in head first, Joe!!! Is there really any other way to do it!?! Welcome to the forums. I hope you'll post pictures as you journey along your path in this world of insanity we call pottery! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joe_L 64 Report post Posted November 15, 2015 Thanks for the welcome messages. This forum looks like a good place for everything from artistic encouragement to technical help so I'm looking forward to pestering you all for your wisdom. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest JBaymore Report post Posted November 16, 2015 Welcome back to clay and the CAD forums. best, .................john Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joe_L 64 Report post Posted November 16, 2015 Here's some ready for slicing. The sliced one still wants to lose weight in the lower part of the walls, and a little around the rim (1.5lbs clay, 16cm tall) Joe 1 florence w reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pres 1,682 Report post Posted November 17, 2015 Welcome to the forums. We welcome your participation and enthusiasm! best, PRes Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joseph Fireborn 1,235 Report post Posted November 17, 2015 o/ and welcome Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
