Ceramics Monthly-September 1993

Video

Making Pots On The Wheel

Nicely filmed and well-miked, this series of six videos on wheel-throwing techniques features Nebraska potter/teacher Jerry Horning. In the first tape, he demonstrates fundamentals--centering and throwing a cylinder--going over the steps several times so that beginners can understand the dynamics involved. "You have to run about a ton of clay through your hands before they get the message--before they understand how thick the pot is, how much torque the clay can stand," he explains.

Tape 2 focuses on bowls and plates. Horning also demonstrates throwing off the hump, trimming an appropriately sized foot and making a loop tool.

On tape 3, Horning shows how to throw vases and bottles (i.e., collaring the rim to form a narrow neck); while Tape 4 covers pulling handles on cups and pitchers.

Tapes 5 and 6 demonstrate more complex shapes: On Tape 5, Horning shows how to throw both inset and overhanging lids that fit visually as well as physically; he also produces an oval-based form by throwing the wall then adding a slab base. Tape 6 covers throwing and assembling teapots and lidded pitchers; also shown is a technique for making a wrapped reed handle.

Aesthetic concerns are discussed throughout the series. "If you think it's good enough, go ahead and glaze and fire it." says Horning. "If you're pretty sure you can throw it better than that, let the clay be another pot some other day."