What is Wheel Pottery? For newcomers to the world of pottery, the term ‘throwing on the wheel’ can be intriguing. Wheel throwing refers to the process of shaping clay on a pottery wheel. It usually involves several stages, such as centring the clay, opening it, pulling up the walls and forming the neck of the pot. There are various ways of making pottery and wheel pottery is only one of them. Other important methods include hand-building and casting. In this article, we will focus on wheel-thrown pottery, exploring what it means and how it is made.
Why is Pottery Making on the Wheel Called Pottery Making? There are some misconceptions behind the term ‘wheel throwing’. Potters first take a lump of clay and roll it into a ball, which is then struck in the centre of the wheel turnet. The paddle refers to the rotating metal plate of the potter's wheel. This striking action is meant to ensure that the clay sticks to the wheel turntable. Sometimes, air can become trapped between the clay and the wheel pivot, which can lead to sealing problems. Therefore, it is necessary to strike the mud firmly against the impeller. Although it is often thought that this act of striking is the origin of the term ‘wheel throwing’, in fact the term is derived from the word ‘throw’. The Old English word ‘thrawan’ means ‘to twist’ or ‘to turn’. In other words, pottery making on the wheel is named after the spinning motion of the wheel, not the throwing of the clay on the wheel.
Throwing on the Wheel Basic Steps The basic steps in the launching process in the wheel are as follows: 1. Pottery making on the wheel begins with the preparation of the clay to be thrown on the wheel. This involves a process called ‘compaction’ and is often similar to kneading. It is done to remove air bubbles from the clay and to obtain a uniform consistency. 2. Centring of Sludge After the clay has been compacted, it is rolled into a ball and struck firmly against the turner. The potter places it in the very centre of the wheel to ensure that the clay is properly centred. Centring is a critical step in shaping the clay evenly. 3. Opening the Sludge After centring the clay, the potter starts to open the clay. This means making a hole in the centre of the clay. Potters do this with their fingers and continue until the bottom of the hole is about 1/3 inch thick. 4. Sludge Extraction After the sludge has been opened, the sludge at the bottom needs to be moved upwards from the edges. This process is called ‘pulling the walls’. The potter forms the walls by moving his hands towards the side of the pot. 5. Finishing touches Once these steps have been completed, the rim of the pot can be levelled.
Pottery on the wheel is an art form that has survived from the past to the present. Understanding the basic steps and techniques is an important step in discovering the beauty of this craft. Each new piece reflects the imagination and skill of the potter. If you are thinking of joining this fun and creative journey of pottery making, perhaps you might like to try making pottery on the wheel!