An overview on the steps required to make a piece of artwork on the potters wheel.
When one looks at an artist on the potter's wheel, they may think, "Wow. How
can I do that?" It's actually quite simple. There are 4 distinct steps to
throwing.
Centering
Opening
Pulling
Trimming
Step One: Centering
Centering the clay is one of the most important steps in throwing pottery. If
your clay is not centered when you begin to pull up the piece, it will be off
balance, and you will fight the clay the whole time. You will not win in a fight
with the clay. The clay will win everytime, and it will seem like it's laughing
at you.
Here is how to do it:
When centering clay it is important to use your whole body.
Get yourself seated in a comfortable position, so that your forearm can
press against your thighs.
Once your body position is set, place the clay in the center of the wheel.
You want the clay to stick to the wheel, so the best bet is to wet your
fingers and make a circle with an X in the middle of it with them.
Then, toss the clay onto that target with enough force that the clay sticks
to the wheel.
With the wheel spinning slowly, pat the ball of clay into a cone in the
center of the wheel.
Get the wheel spinning at a moderate to fast speed. Wet your hands and the
clay. Begin to force the clay in to the center.
The left elbow is pressed into the thigh. That way, the whole body is used
to push the clay.
Then, use your left hand as a guide and push the clay down with the right
hand.
Use both hands and your body to keep your arms from moving with the clay,
press the clay on both sides to force the clay upwards.After the clay is centered, you are ready to move on to step 2.