Introduction to the techniques used in wheel throwing, including centering, shaping, and trimming.
Clay Types: Understanding the different types of clay available and their properties is essential when working with ceramics. This includes earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, and more.
Hand-building Techniques: Though the focus will be on wheel throwing, learning about different hand-building techniques such as pinch pots, coil building, and slab building can be helpful in understanding the overall process of making ceramics.
The Potter's Wheel: Understanding the essential parts of the potter's wheel, including the head, foot pedal, bat, and wheel head, is essential to successful wheel throwing.
Wedging and Centering: Wedging involves preparing the clay before throwing, while centering is the process of getting the clay in the center of the wheel. Both techniques are critical to successful wheel throwing.
Shaping and Throwing: This includes a variety of techniques used to shape and form the clay while it's on the wheel. Techniques include pulling, pushing, compressing, and shaping.
Trimming and Finishing: Once a piece has been thrown, trimming is used to remove excess clay and refine the shape. Finishing may include adding handles, glazing, and firing.
The Kiln: Understanding how the kiln works and how to load and fire ceramics is crucial to the process. This includes knowledge of kiln types, firing schedules, and proper ventilation.
Glazing Techniques: Applying glaze is a crucial step in the process of creating ceramics. This includes understanding different types of glazes, how to apply them, and how to achieve specific effects.
Decorating and Surface Techniques: This includes a wide variety of techniques used to embellish and decorate ceramics, including stamping, carving, sgraffito, and more.
Maintenance and Safety: Proper maintenance of equipment and tools is crucial, as is understanding basic safety protocols when working with ceramics. This includes proper ventilation, wearing protective gear, and more.
Centering: The process of making sure the clay is perfectly centered on the wheel before throwing begins.
Opening: The first step in throwing, where a hollow is created in the center of the clay.
Pulling: The process of using pressure to pull the walls of the clay upwards and outwards to create a form.
Shaping: The method of altering the form using various tools or techniques to create a desired shape or design.
Trimming: After drying, the bottom of the form is trimmed to create a flat surface and remove excess clay.
Piercing: The use of pointed tools to create patterns or holes in a form.
Incising: Cutting or carving into the surface of the clay to create designs or patterns.
Slip trailing: Using a nozzle or tool to apply slip (a liquid clay mixture) onto the surface of the clay to create designs or patterns.
Sgraffito: Scratching through a layer of slip or glaze to reveal the clay underneath and create a design or pattern.
Mishima: Inlaying a contrasting colored slip or clay into a recessed area of the piece to create a design or pattern.
Agateware: Combining contrasting clay colors together to create a marbled effect.
Faceting: Using a wire tool or ribs to cut facets (flat surfaces) into the clay form.
Fluting: Adding deep grooves or ridges to the surface of a form for decorative purposes.