Wheel thrown pottery is an ancient art that has been around for thousands of years and is still used today by potters to create beautiful, decorative items and functional items from clay. Wheel thrown pottery is created by hand by forming clay on a special wheel. This process requires skill and a great deal of practice in order to master. It is one of the most popular and timeless forms of pottery and has been used for hundreds of years to create ceramic dishes, vases, mugs, and other items. In this article, we’ll explore what wheel thrown means, the history of wheel throwing, the techniques used, the tools needed, the benefits of wheel throwing, the challenges you may face, tips for learning how to wheel throw, finding a mentor or teacher in the craft, and resources for further reading.
The Definition of Wheel Throwing
Wheel thrown pottery is a form of hand-built pottery that uses a potter’s wheel to shape and form the clay. The potter spins the wheel and uses their hands to shape the clay. The clay is then thrown off the wheel onto a board or canvas and left to harden before being finished by carving, glazing, or painting. Wheel throwing allows a potter to create various shapes and objects, all with a unique quality created by their own hand.
History of Wheel Throwing
Wheel throwing has a long and rich history that dates back thousands of years. The first evidence of people using the potter’s wheel dates back to around 6000 BC in Mesopotamia. This was the beginning of a widespread use of this technique by many different cultures around the world. By 600 BC, potters in Ancient Greece were producing some of the earliest examples of wheel thrown pottery. In Medieval Europe, the technique was further refined and popularized. In more recent times, many cultural movements have embraced the practice, including Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, and Studio Pottery.
Techniques Used in Wheel Throwing
Wheel throwing requires great skill, patience, and practice. It involves many different techniques that each have their own unique purpose. First, the potter will center the clay on the wheel. This process is often the most difficult part of wheel throwing as it requires great concentration and practice to master. Next, the potter will compress the clay to create density and strength. They will then use various techniques to shape and form the clay. These techniques include coiling, wedging, pulling, cutting, carving, stretching and more. Finally, the potter will remove the clay from the wheel and set it aside to dry before further finishing details.
Tools Needed for Wheel Throwing
In order to begin wheel throwing, there are several different tools that are needed in order to create pieces successfully. The main tool you will need is a potter’s wheel. There are many different models on the market to choose from depending on budget and experience level. Other than a wheel, you will need some type of armatures (clay tools), such as a rib for shaping, as well as wire for cutting off pieces from larger pieces of clay. You will also need some wedging tools to compact and even out the clay. The last tools are tools for finishing and carving shapes into wet clay.
Benefits of Wheel Thrown Pottery
The most obvious benefit of wheel thrown pottery is that it allows for unique forms not otherwise achievable with other methods. Wheel throwing also creates strong pieces with an even density throughout. This can be beneficial when creating larger pieces because they won’t easily break apart when handled or moved. Wheel throwing also provides an opportunity to explore creativity through different techniques and decorations.
Challenges of Wheel Throwing
Obviously mastering wheel throwing will take practice and patience. It may seem frustrating at times when you don’t get it right or when pieces end up not turning out as planned. You may also find yourself struggling with inconsistencies in sized pieces as well as dealing with curves or symmetrical objects. Issues with balance or thickness can arise due to uneven pressure applied during wheel spinning.
Tips for Learning to Wheel Throw
One of the most important ways to start learning wheel throwing is having patience and dedication. Start with simple exercises such as making simple balls or cones to get familiar with the process of spinning and shaping clay on a wheel. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes as this will only help improve your skills. Additionally, keep practicing your simple shapes so that when you attempt more complicated ones you have already experienced the motions and processes involved.
Finding a Mentor or Teacher in Wheel Throwing
If possible, it is best to work with an experienced potter in order to gain knowledge on wheel throwing and pick up tips along the way. A qualified instructor can provide guidance and answer questions that may come up along the way as well as help introduce new techniques or concepts. There are also many online pottery classes offered as well as local pottery workshops that may provide helpful techniques or a mentor.
Resources for Further Reading on Wheel Throwing
If you’re interested in further studying wheel thrown pottery there are many resources you can seek out. The American Ceramics Society has an extensive library full of useful articles about all things related to ceramics. The ceramics website CERAMICS MONTHLY also provides helpful tutorial videos that range in complexity from beginner to advanced.
