Sphinx, a hand built vessel by Beth Peterson.
Can you create spectacular pottery without a wheel? Yes you can! A huge number of potters, past and present, do not use a potter's wheel in their work. In fact, I suggest you do not start off working with clay on the wheel.
Let's face it: throwing clay is a skill that takes a lot of practice. The general rule of thumb is that it will take a person throwing 500 to 1,000 pounds of clay before they really, fully get the hang of it.
Before that point, working on the wheel can be frustrating, especially if you aren't aware of how demanding it really is. (After all, a potter who does work on the wheel a lot can make it look so easy!)
For that reason I recommend new potters begin with hand building their projects. Done with care and patience, even the "lowly" pinch pot can be a truly masterful piece of pottery. But more on that in tomorrow's post!
Comments
Beth I agree whole heartedly, not only does throwing take time, but it takes money usually to have access to or own the proper equiptment…not always an option for many begining potters! Unfortunately, many beginners want nothing more than to sit at a wheel, pinch pots just don’t have the same “allure”!
Using a wheel was certainly more difficult than I thought it would be! I was surprised by the hand strength required. You’re right. It looks so much easier than it is!
Since I’m in the middle of a wheel throwing class, I can definitely agree with the above comments. The class is helping me learn to throw better so it doesn’t aggravate my arthritis, though.
To be fair, it all takes practice – my pinch pots were no better than my thrown pieces, so I’ll need to work on those, too!
I’m inclined to believe you that it takes a 1000 lbs of to get the experience necessary to handle clay with expertise, and I imagine every pound to be a pleasurable learning experience:)