Throwing on the potter's wheel, part 1

First of a two-part video showing me throwing a porcelain vessel on the potter's wheel. Check out my portfolio at http://petertwang.deviantart.com and see the finished pot at http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/19188264/

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• ceramics
• pottery
• clay
• wheel
• throw

[702stormrider]

Man I want to do pottery so bad

[bkyamanaka]

@bkyamanaka I mean, if you think you're doing a bisque firing at cone 10, and a high-fire glaze firing at cone 010, you're definitely going to have a problem.

[bkyamanaka]

@bkyamanaka And to the people who are asking about buying throwing wheels/kilns/clay, I definitely think taking a class at a community college/center before trying it on your own is a way better idea. You'll learn so much more about ceramics, not only when it comes to throwing but the technical terms and techniques that you'll need to know later on when you're on your own.

[bkyamanaka]

@bkyamanaka And also, I think all of these comments are becoming more and more ridiculous. To the people who think this video is boring, you obviously don't understand throwing and the amount of patience this takes. Nor do you understand the amount of isometric muscle control he has to use just to keep his arms steady while moving at a consistent rate up the vessel.

[bkyamanaka]

I'm kind of confused by your maneuver at the end of each pull. I think it's really interesting, and it obviously works for you because your pulls are incredibly uniform, and it doesn't look like you're getting any thick spots. I was wondering if you could you explain what you're doing with your left hand while your right hand holds that claw position?

[petertwang]

@mayerpots Again, you are making assumptions about others that may not hold true. A small electric kiln might cost $2500. A 2-year private studio membership in my area would cost more than that. I am also a photographer, and the cost of my camera equipment dwarfs the cost of a kiln--I could have bought a 12 cu. ft downdraft for less money than my camera gear. For some, $2500 is half a day's income, and for others, it's a month's. Value is relative.

[petertwang]

@mayerpots Every creative endeavor has costs associated with it. As I pointed out, most beginners elect to learn through local community resources, both public and private. Some, however, have the means and desire to make the initial outlay a kiln represents, because they feel it would enhance their learning process. It isn't for you to decide for others whether it seems to be a good or bad investment for them.

[mayerpots]

@petertwang i know what a kiln is ive been throwing for five years. i was simply asking why someone would buy theirselves a kiln when they are a beginner. seems like a poor investment unless they actually plan to pursue ceramics

[mayerpots]

@Icyrails12 waste of money if your a beginner

[petertwang]

@Icyrails12 For many people, kilns are a significant investment. One that is large enough for studio ceramics can be very heavy, require the gas/electric utility to make modifications on your property, and needs a suitable space to meet fire codes. But if these conditions can be met, then a kiln is an integral component of a studio space that enables you to learn ceramics on your own terms.