Pottery Throwing

The process of creating a pot on a potter's wheel is called pottery throwing.

• Centering the clay is the first and most important step in molding it. For if it is not positioned appropriately, the piece will not be balanced and will be very difficult to handle. The trick is to throw the clay as close to the center as possible. It is important that it sticks well. Then, both hands are used to reposition it to the center.
• The next step in throwing a pot is raising a column of clay, and shortening it. It is only once the clay mass is collected and made uniform in this manner, that it can be worked on. Pressure must be used to make the clay obey your hands.
• Thereafter, an opening is made in the clay mass. This is the third step in pottery throwing. The opening is created by using just the right amount of pressure, so that it does not become too wide or the clay does not become too thin around it.
• Once this is done, the sides are raised cautiously and uniformly. Usually one hand supports the wall, while the other raises it.

• The penultimate step in throwing a pot is shaping the top edge of the pot, suing the fingers. This must be done gently. A fine needle may be used as a pottery tool at this step.
• The final step in pottery throwing is separating the pot from the wheel. To do this, one must use a wire line or a thread. The line is simply held firmly at the base of the pot; the rotating wheel causes it to slice through the clay.

The process of throwing a pot is an art that takes patience and practice to perfect. Once mastered, sky is the limit.