You haven't wedged the clay enough
You start with enthusiasm, but when you begin to centre the clay, you realise that it just won’t cooperate. It’s difficult to shape, and the clay isn’t very workable. The question you need to ask yourself is: have you wedged the clay enough?
Wedging is an essential step in the process. It removes air bubbles and ensures a consistent texture. If you haven’t wedged your clay enough, you’re making life much harder for yourself.
Your clay is too wet
Centring went smoothly, but now the shape you want to create seems to slip through your fingers. Time and again… The clay simply won’t hold its shape. You need to ask yourself: is your clay too wet?
There’s not much you can do with clay that’s too wet. Did you notice this while wedging? If so, continue wedging the clay on an untreated wooden or plaster surface so that the water is absorbed little by little. Alternatively, you can roll out the clay and leave it to dry. Remember to check on it regularly to make sure it doesn’t dry out too much. Did you only notice that your clay was too wet when you started throwing it? In that case, you can use a sponge to absorb the excess water.
Your clay is too dry
If your clay is too dry, you may find that it won’t cooperate when you try to shape it. Smooth walls seem impossible and you can’t get the clay to do what you want. Ask yourself: is your clay too dry?
While it’s tempting to simply pour some water over your piece, be careful, there’s a chance the clay in the middle will still be too dry and hard. It’s better to wedge the clay again, gradually adding water until it’s the right consistency.
You are using too much force
Your clay is neither too wet nor too dry, and you have wedged it well. Yet you are still finding it difficult to centre and shape it. The muscles in your arms are also starting to protest. You should ask yourself whether you are using too much force.
As a potter, you shouldn’t rely on muscle power alone. The strength you need comes from your posture: keep your legs as close to the slip pan as possible, your back straight and your elbows close to your body. Move your whole upper body, not just your arms and hands, and lean forward. This way, you won’t need to use much muscle power.
You are not applying even pressure
Your clay has been wedged and centred without any problems. Now, when you try to pull the clay up, the walls keep collapsing. You should ask yourself: are you applying even pressure?
There are other reasons why your walls might collapse, such as your clay being too wet or not properly centred. However, in many cases, it is due to uneven pressure when pulling. Make sure you don’t squeeze your fingers too hard, and support your right hand with your left thumb to maintain even pressure at this stage.
You are pulling open too quickly
So far, all the steps have gone smoothly and you are now completely in the zone. It’s time to pull your clay open smoothly. But oops, that was too quick! Now you have a big hole in your piece and a paper-thin bottom. Ask yourself: are you taking enough time to pull your clay open?
Ceramics is a long-term endeavour and patience is required at every stage. This is particularly important when opening up the clay. So just take your time and let the wheel do the work for you.
Your wheel is turning too fast or too slow
Do you feel like you’re losing control while turning? Is the clay shaping itself instead of you shaping it? Are the walls of your piece much thicker than you intended? You should ask yourself: is your wheel turning at the right speed?
If it is turning too slowly, it will make things very difficult for you. After all, it is the turning motion that does most of the work, especially during pulling. However, if your wheel is turning too fast, that is not good either. This is because the centrifugal force will make it difficult to control your clay. It is therefore better to start at a medium speed and then gradually adjust as necessary. This way, you will remain in control, rather than your potter’s wheel being in control.
Conclusion
Everyone makes mistakes, even experienced potters. That’s how you learn and improve! So don’t give up, just keep trying! After all, practice makes perfect.
