Elise Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 Hello All, I would like to improve my throwing skills and branch out to new forms. I have been throwing off and on for about 7 years. I took a community arts class in 2013 where we went over wheel techniques for 2 classes - about 4 hours total... so I never really got any in depth instruction on the wheel. Currently I feel that I am proficient at cylinders and some vase forms, but again, never actually taught how to make vases, so they come out a little funky sometimes. Here is a photo of a few pieces I threw today. https://photos.app.goo.gl/VviENWh2R9gdKbah8 I have perused Youtube and there are a great variety of videos to watch but where to start? Are there any channels you particularly find useful for improving? Or are there any general tips you can share for improving skills on the wheel? I would eventually like to be able to throw a pitcher, plates, and large platters. Any tips are appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chilly Posted April 3, 2020 Report Share Posted April 3, 2020 Look for Tim See on Youtube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hulk Posted April 4, 2020 Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 Hi Elise, Min started a thread on vids a few weeks ago; several of my favs are listed: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted April 4, 2020 Report Share Posted April 4, 2020 Looks like you need to make your cylinders narrower to start with if you want to throw a vase. I usually start with about 4-6# of clay and throw a cylinder 3-5" in diameter. Try to get the cylinder to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Then shape the bottom slowly to a vase bulb, then pull a little thinner and taller for the top part of the vase-gently, continue shaping til you have the form you want. best, Pres Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elise Posted April 5, 2020 Author Report Share Posted April 5, 2020 Thank you everyone for your advice. I really appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldlady Posted April 5, 2020 Report Share Posted April 5, 2020 elise, if you can find the book Pottery Workshop by Charles Counts, written in the 1970s, it will take you through the progression from a small flat cylinder to a variety of shapes. it is still the best i have seen for learning the skills to make anything on a wheel. if available in paperback it should be under ten dollars, probably under five. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liambesaw Posted April 5, 2020 Report Share Posted April 5, 2020 In the same vein as @oldladyrecommendation there's a book called a potters workbook by Clary Illian that is really good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted April 5, 2020 Report Share Posted April 5, 2020 You would also find Mastering the Potter's Wheel by Ben Carter and Linda Arbuckle This has helped me refine forms, even though what I throw looks nothing like what Mr. Carter throws, but good reading. best, Pres Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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