When I first started thinking about making pottery, I assumed that all you needed was a clay wheel, some clay, water and a glaze. How difficult could it be? How hard could it be? It is true that pottery is just one thing, but it is so much, much more.
If I hadn’t taken pottery class, I wouldn’t be writing this article or making pottery in my living space that I converted into a studio for pottery.
I’ll share what I know, what to expect, and how you can learn pottery making faster. I am not saying you shouldn’t take classes to learn pottery; I’m simply pointing out some of the benefits. Here are some reasons why every beginner potter should attend pottery workshops.
Please note that not all studios will be the same. Each studio has its own rules, supplies, or equipment.
Take hands-on training
It is essential to have someone there to guide and position your hands when playing with clay.
The benefit of watching videos is immense and extremely helpful. When you are just beginning, it is helpful to have an instructor on your side. Make sure your elbows do not suddenly fly up in the air. Also, make sure the pottery wheel does not spin out of control. It’s funny how often I’ve heard the phrase “watch your speed.”
If you have never tried throwing clay on the wheel before, it can be harder to learn from videos. But videos are still very useful; you will only need hands-on instruction.
We can help you with centering and pulling
The most difficult thing for beginners is to center. It can be helpful to have someone around to help you. They will help you to identify your mistakes and make suggestions about what you should do. The instructor will help you navigate the course.
It’s useful to be able see the instructor’s hands and position when pulling up a cylinder. The instructor can help you decide how much pressure to use, how fast you spin the wheel, and how fast you are pulling up the cylindrical.
Clay: What is it?
I mistakenly believed the only thing that differentiated clays from each other was their colors. I didn’t realize there were clays with different firing temperatures until I received my first clay bag. The most important thing was to determine your clay’s cone (or firing temperature). A cone 5 clay will melt on the cone 10 clay shelf.
The instructors also teach you about different clay bodies used in wheel throwing. Because we tend not to be as active with our clay as others, the instructors know which clay bodies will work best for beginner wheel throwers. It takes longer to center your clay and pull up the walls. This is normal and expected for anyone who starts out. It’s like a child learning to walk. You will make mistakes, but that’s okay.
As you become more familiar with the clay, you will begin to experiment with different clay bodies to find the right one for you. Some clays were even offered to me by my fellow potters.
I ask them for some of their clay, and the first words that come out of my mouth when they offer it to me are “What is the cone size?”
My instructor stated, “Some people find their dreams clay and others are on a never-ending journey.” It took me some time, but eventually, I found my dream ceramic. This is it for now.
The right way to do your hedging
I’ve learned so much from watching videos of wedging. The difference between knowing what the clay should feel like and not knowing it is all important. The instructor will check that your clay is not too soft or too firm before you begin a class. They also ensure you’re not creating air bubbles rather than eliminating them.
Get to Know Other Potters
A pottery studio can be a great place for potters to get together. It was very helpful. You share your ideas, tips, and tricks as you make pottery. My fellow potters’ help was invaluable.
If you prefer to be completely alone, that is also fine. But, for the most part we all tend to help one another out, encourage each others, and enjoy making pottery together.
Through pottery classes that went beyond the classroom, I have made great lasting friendships. It’s wonderful to meet like-minded craftspeople when you take up any type of hobby. It’s fun to share ideas with fellow beginner potters as well as learn from them. Some experienced potters are happy to join the fray and help you improve. It’s great fun to complete a piece of work and then show it to others. It’s great to see their finished pieces.
You can feel the Pottery Wheels!
It is a bad idea to purchase a Pottery Wheel but never use it. Unfortunately, it is not possible to rent a pottery wheel to experience its feel. There aren’t any pottery wheels that you can rent, so I don’t know of anyone who does. So what can you do? That’s why the pottery studio is so important.
You can take classes even if you don’t know anyone with a wheel. Even a few classes can help you get to know the wheel. WARNING: Throwing the Wheel could become additive. I fell in love the first time I tried it. I couldn’t stop throwing again. This was when I knew it had been time to buy a bike.
Learn When and How To Trim
Although I love trimming videos, I didn’t understand how clay should feel when I trim. Take classes and have the instructor touch the clay before you learn how to trim.
The Studio I visit has many different tools you could try. It is nice to have access a variety of decorative tools. I choose the ones I like to use in my home studio. I’ve found their tools very helpful and have been able to test them out from other students. It’s saved me a lot, because I would have to buy them first to decide if I liked the tools.
How Clay Should Feel While Handbuilding
Hand building is simple and enjoyable. There are so many ways to play around with clay that it seems endless. The key part of taking a class is the same as throwing the wheel. The clay must feel comfortable to be worked with. It is important to avoid cracking during drying by keeping air bubbles out.
Use the Slab Roller
Slab rolling is great for handbuilding and throwing. You can add-ons the slab roller to the wheel by throwing a piece. What are addons? Add-ons could be handles or cutouts. These can be used to decorate your pottery. I have been able to slip on flowers, butterflies, dragons, and leaves.
Many potters I have met combine handbuilding and throwing to create stunning, unique pieces. Knowing how to use a slab roller before purchasing one is a huge advantage.
Know when to put out a fire.
It’s equally important to understand when to bisque. A good instructor can help you assess if your pottery is dry. They are willing to share their knowledge on drying pottery.
Get assistance with glazing
Glazing was my greatest fear. I had to prolong it because I was afraid of melting the glaze on my kiln shelf. My instructors were wonderful in helping me glaze and letting me know when too much glaze was too heavy. The glaze that is too thin will leave streaks and not completely cover the pottery. Too thick glazes will melt and fuse to kiln shelves.
Access to a Kiln
Unfortunately, you are not allowed to rent a kiln in your home. A kiln can’t be rented for your home. Kilns will require special outlets to supply the power they need in order for them to vitrify your clay and glazes.
You could look for someone who rents or owns a Kiln, or you could attend classes.
The purchase of a kiln represents a significant investment. Before you buy a kiln, make sure you love the art of creating pottery.
You can learn a lot from classes about how to care for your kiln. You’ll discover how different temperatures impact different clay bodies and glazes. Find out what size kiln you need to make pottery.
The Final Wrapup – Take an Art Pottery Class
Making pottery can be a difficult process. One piece of pottery may take more than a month.
Books and videos about pottery-making are great resources to learn tips and techniques. An instructor cannot show you how the clay should be handled at each stage, so a book or video won’t do that.
You will find it much easier and faster to master the basics of centering, pulling, weaving, and glazing techniques when you have someone by your side, offering encouragement or correction if needed.
Before you start working with clay, it is a good idea to sign up in a pottery class. This is how I did it, and I’m giving the details to help you do the same.