20/04/2012

Throwing Large Platters

Today I uploaded some pictures to Twitter as I threw some large platters.  I was feeling out of practice, I tried to throw the first one with throwing the whole lump at once.  I noticed I just don't have the strength after not throwing bigger pots over the winter, so to get round it I flattened the clay by pounding it with my fists as it slowly rotates, then as it forms a disc slap it and then use a rib to smooth it off.

I trimmed the base so then it was a completely round disc.  I coiled the sides on and then threw them up, trimmed the wonky top and then used a large piece of chamois leather to give it a nice strong edge.  I trimmed round the base to remove the excess then wired it off.

Rough Disc Formed

disc scratched and coil prepared.
We ended up with a spring shower just as I needed to roll out the slab so did it very roughly in the air and then just a quick roll on my paving slab so it didn't pick up too much water.

Sides thrown on and swirl added across the base.
I made two in total and both are now drying, I must find the rest of my amazing Doug Fitch bats for when I finally get shelves sorted.

3 comments:

  1. Hi Joseph,
    Long time since I last commented, and I have been catching up with your blog. It has been wonderful and also quite moving reading of your ups and downs, and it is impressive too seeing how you work through things. Your thinking about producing a small standard range of work is certainly very sound, it is definitely what I should be doing too as I am "all over the place" with interests and commitments pulling me too many ways at once.

    I love your post about your trip to see the potters down in the South West, I have read it several times since you wrote it. The photo of John Leach is a special favorite.

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    Replies
    1. There have been so many ups and downs especially with a new little one on the way. It can be so easy to get distracted by making too many things, and meeting other potters can confuse my own sense of vision.

      I figure showing the way to work through a problem isn't always done, but working through the problem is the one thing we were really taught at university, but I would want to increase my ability to problem solve further.


      I really enjoyed that trip, it has been one of the most inspiring trips I have been on, especially with pottery.

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  2. I don’t even know the way I finished up right here, however I assumed this publish was great. I do not realize who you are but definitely you are going to a well-known blogger in case you are not already. Cheers!

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