How to make a Pottery vase on the wheel. In this video, we are throwing a raku pottery vase on a potter's wheel with George and Εfthymios Sifounios from www.SifouniosPottery.com Hope you enjoy, more pottery videos soon, see you next time Efthymios!
The beauty of creating a pottery vase on the wheel is that no two vases will be exactly the same, and the process itself is calming and meditative. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in creating a pottery vase on the wheel.
Step One: Preparing the Clay
The first step in creating a pottery vase on the wheel is preparing the clay. It is important to use the right type of clay for the job, as different types of clay have different properties. For a vase, it is best to use a clay that is easy to work with, such as a low-fire earthenware. Once the clay has been selected, it must be wedged. Wedging is the process of kneading the clay to remove any air bubbles and ensure a consistent texture. This is an important step, as air bubbles can cause the clay to crack during firing.
Step Two: Centering the Clay
The next step is to center the clay on the wheel. This is perhaps the most important step in the entire process, as a poorly centered piece of clay will be difficult to work with and may result in a misshapen vase. To center the clay, the potter must place it on the wheel head and use their hands to apply pressure and bring the clay to the center. This can take some practice, but once mastered, it will make the rest of the process much easier.
Step Three: Opening the Vase
Once the clay has been centered, the potter can begin to open up the vase. This is done by using their thumbs to create a depression in the center of the clay, and then slowly pulling the clay upwards to create the shape of the vase. This is a delicate process, as the clay can easily become lopsided if too much pressure is applied in one area.
Step Four: Shaping the Vase
With the vase now open, the potter can begin to shape it into the desired form. This can be done with a variety of tools, including ribs and chisels, but the most important tool is the potter's hands. Using their fingers and palms, the potter can shape the vase to their desired specifications. This is where the creativity of the potter comes into play, as each vase will be unique.
Step Five: Trimming the Vase
Once the vase has been shaped, it is time to trim it. Trimming is the process of removing excess clay from the bottom of the vase, as well as creating a foot for the vase to stand on. This is done using a trimming tool, and requires a steady hand and a keen eye. A well-trimmed vase will stand evenly and be aesthetically pleasing.
Step Six: Drying and Firing the Vase
The final step in creating a pottery vase on the wheel is drying and firing the vase. The vase must be allowed to dry completely before it can be fired, as any remaining moisture can cause the vase to crack during firing. Once dry, the vase can be fired in a kiln at a temperature appropriate for the type of clay being used. This will permanently set the shape of the vase and create a hard, durable surface.