Q&A for How to Throw a Pot

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  • Question
    How do you center clay on a wheel?
    Deanna Ranlett
    Pottery & Ceramics Professional
    Deanna Ranlett is a Pottery and Ceramics Professional and the Owner of Mudfire Inc. in Decatur, Georgia. With more than 22 years of experience in the ceramics industry and eight years of experience owning a studio, they specialize in glaze formulation, firing ceramic and pottery pieces, general clay projects, and screen printing for ceramics. Deanna holds a BFA in Ceramic Arts and Ceramics from Georgia State University.
    Pottery & Ceramics Professional
    Expert Answer
    Start by aligning your nose over the center of the wheel. This way, you'll be more centered when you go to center your clay.
  • Question
    Why can't I center my clay?
    Deanna Ranlett
    Pottery & Ceramics Professional
    Deanna Ranlett is a Pottery and Ceramics Professional and the Owner of Mudfire Inc. in Decatur, Georgia. With more than 22 years of experience in the ceramics industry and eight years of experience owning a studio, they specialize in glaze formulation, firing ceramic and pottery pieces, general clay projects, and screen printing for ceramics. Deanna holds a BFA in Ceramic Arts and Ceramics from Georgia State University.
    Pottery & Ceramics Professional
    Expert Answer
    You might not be using the right amount. Centering too much clay can be too overwhelming, while not centering enough can be difficult when you have average-size hands. One or 2 pounds of clay (0.45 to 0.9 kg) is a good amount to start with.
  • Question
    How do you perfectly center clay?
    Deanna Ranlett
    Pottery & Ceramics Professional
    Deanna Ranlett is a Pottery and Ceramics Professional and the Owner of Mudfire Inc. in Decatur, Georgia. With more than 22 years of experience in the ceramics industry and eight years of experience owning a studio, they specialize in glaze formulation, firing ceramic and pottery pieces, general clay projects, and screen printing for ceramics. Deanna holds a BFA in Ceramic Arts and Ceramics from Georgia State University.
    Pottery & Ceramics Professional
    Expert Answer
    Focus on anchoring your body in some way that's comfortable. You can start by anchoring your elbows into your side; if this doesn't work well, try leaning over a little further and anchoring your elbow into your thigh. This way, your arm can't move, and you're creating a stable push with your body.
  • Question
    How hard is it to make a vase?
    Community Answer
    Depending on your level of skill and your past experience, the vase can be a semi-easy shape to throw.
  • Question
    Why would you throw a pot?
    Alcyone Rainbow
    Community Answer
    "Throwing" here refers to the technique with which the pot is made (on a pottery wheel), not the act of tossing a pot.
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