When I thought of making pottery, all I needed was a pottery wheel, some clay and water. Is it really that difficult? You’re right. I had no idea. Although pottery is essentially all that it is, it is so much more.
Without having taken pottery classes, I would not be writing this article and creating pottery in the Living Room that I have converted into a pottery workshop.
What I have learned, what you can expect, and how taking classes in pottery-making will accelerate the learning process. I’m not saying that pottery can’t be done without taking classes. Here are some reasons that every new potter should attend pottery-making classes.
Remember that not all studios are created equal. You may have different supplies and equipment.
You will receive hands-on training
Clay is very tactile and you need someone to help you position your hands correctly and guide your movements.
Video tutorials are very helpful and fun. However, when you’re just starting out, having an instructor to watch you is very helpful. They can make sure that your elbows don’t suddenly start flying in the air or the pottery wheel doesn’t spin out. I’ve heard it many times: “Watch your speed.” It’s amazing how much you get into clay playing that you don’t realize you’re speeding up your wheel.
Although it is possible to learn clay throwing from the wheel from videos, it may be more difficult to do so if you don’t have any experience.
Guidance for Centering and Pulling
Centering is a problem that many beginners struggle with. It helps to have someone there to help. They can help you identify what is wrong and provide suggestions for how to fix it. The instructor will hold your hand and help you to find the right way.
It is nice to be close to the instructor when learning how to lift a cylinder. Your instructor will assist you in determining how much pressure you need, how fast your wheel spins, and how fast or slowly your fingers are pulling up a cylinder.
Clay Facts
I assumed that the only difference between clays was their color. I was quickly proven wrong. I was unaware that clays come in different firing temperatures when I got my first bag of clay. It was important to know your clay’s firing temperature (or cone size). A cone 5 clay would melt if it was placed on a cone 10 clay shelf.
Also at pottery workshops, you will learn about clay bodies that are suitable for wheel throwing. Because beginners tend to have a longer time with their clay, instructors are able to tell them which clay bodies work best. This is because it takes longer for your Clay to be centered and pulled up the walls. This is normal for all people starting out. It’s similar to a baby walking; you don’t just jump up and begin walking. There will be mistakes but it’s okay because it’s clay.
You’ll get to know the clay and will be able try out different clay bodies until one is right for you. Even my fellow potters gave me other clays to try.
They offer me some clay to try and my first words are “What cone size?”
My instructor once said that “Some people find their dream pottery, while others are on a never ending quest”. It took me quite some time before I finally found my ideal clay. I’m happy for now.
How to hedge the right way
It has been a great help to me to watch videos about wedging. However, not knowing how the clay feels makes a huge difference. The instructor will test your clay before you start to throw it on the wheel. They will also check that your clay is not creating air bubbles and not removing them.
Get to know other Potters
A pottery studio is a wonderful place to make connections with other potters. It was extremely helpful. You can share ideas and tips as well as your own experiences. I found the assistance of fellow potters to be extremely helpful.
It’s okay to be left alone. Most of the time, however, we are able to support one another and share our love for pottery.
Through my pottery classes, I have made lasting friendships. It is wonderful to be able to share your passion with others who are also interested in the same craft. It is great fun to meet other beginner potters, exchange ideas, and learn new things. Many experienced potters jump on board to learn from you and help you grow. It’s so much fun finishing a piece and showing it off to everyone. You can also see their work.
Take a Look at Pottery Wheels
It is not a good idea for a Pottery Wheel owner to never use one. You can’t rent a pottery wheel to feel how it feels. To my knowledge, there are no pottery wheels available for rent. So what are you supposed to do? The pottery studio is the answer.
It’s a good idea to sign up for classes if there isn’t anyone you know who owns a wheel. You can get a good feel for the pottery wheel by taking at least a few classes. WARNING! Throwing on the wheel can be addictive. When I first threw the wheel, I fell in LOVE. I was hooked and couldn’t wait for the next time. Then I knew it was the right time to get a wheel.
Learn when and how you should trim
While I love to watch videos about trimming, I wasn’t sure how the clay should feel as I trim. You can feel the clay when trimming your piece by taking classes.
There are many tools that you can use at Studio I. It’s nice to have many different tools. I purchase the ones that I like for my studio. I was able to use the tools of other students, which I found extremely helpful. It saved me so much money because I would have needed to buy the tools to determine if I liked them.
How Clay Should Feel when Handbuilding
Hand building can be fun and simple. It’s easy to find endless ways to use clay. The most important thing about taking a class is to get used to the process of throwing the clay around. It is important to learn how the clay feels so that you can work with it without making it too hard or too soft. Keep the clay dry and free of air bubbles.
Use the Slab Roller
Slab rollers make it easy to handbuild and throw. Slab rollers are great for adding extras to your wheel by letting you throw a piece. What are add ons? Add-ons include anything from handles to cutouts you can slip on your pottery. I have used add-ons to slip on leaves, flowers and dragons.
Many potters I know combine handbuilding with throwing to create unique pottery. A big advantage is learning how to use a slab roller before buying one.
Know When to Bake Fire
It’s just as important to know when to bisque. You can feel confident that your pottery is dry if you have never made pottery before. An instructor will be able to help you determine if your piece is ready to go in the kiln. They are happy to offer tips and tricks for drying your pottery.
Glazing: Get help
Glazing was my biggest fear. It was actually more difficult than I thought because I was afraid that my glaze would melt on the kiln shelf. My instructors were very helpful in helping me glaze. A thin glaze can cause streakiness and not enough glaze to cover pottery. A glaze applied too thickly will cause it to melt and fuse to the kiln shelves.
Access to a Kiln
Unfortunately, you cannot rent a fire kiln for your house. It would be easy to rent a Kiln for your home, but it wouldn’t be possible to just plug it in. Kilns require special outlets in order to generate the power necessary for vitrifying (fusing the particles together) your clay or glazes.
You might be able to find someone with a kiln for rent or to use. Or you could learn from them.
It is a major investment to buy a kiln. You should therefore ensure that you are passionate about the art and craft of making pottery before taking the plunge.
It is a good idea to take classes to help you learn how to care for a kiln before buying one. You’ll learn how different temperatures affect different clay body and glazes. It is also important to determine the right size kiln for your pottery-making requirements.
The Final Wrap up – Take a Pottery class
Learning the basics of pottery-making is difficult. A single piece of pottery can take over a month to make.
Videos and books on pottery making are excellent resources for learning techniques and tips. However, a video or a book won’t be able to put their hand on yours or show you how the clay should feel at every stage.
Some of my points about centering and pulling, wedging and glazing techniques are so much easier when there is an instructor to help you.
Every beginner should sign up for a pottery class, before you ever consider working with clay. This is exactly what I did, so I’m going to share my experience.