How to pull a wall, without f%&king up
So this week I’ll be discussing the part of throwing guaranteed to both seduce, tease and frustrate you, pulling a wall. The thing to remember about pulling a wall is that its a different entity than centering and opening. This is often the part where students look at my funny when I am giving a … Continue reading
You’ve got to respect the process
(This is my last preface post about the “mental game” of pottery. Feel free to look back at previous posts to get caught up) One of the biggest ceramic piece killers is lack of patience. The other is expecting instant perfection. One could say they go hand in hand. Ultimately, its because the potter either doesn’t … Continue reading
Discipline and Creative Self Control
Part 4 of my preface on the “mental game” of pottery As an instructor at Choplet Ceramic Studio and Island Pottery Studio, as well as my career as a production potter and ceramic studio technician I have seen more pieces die because the potter was fucking about with it than I care to count. Let … Continue reading
Creating a System and Finding a Rhythm
Part 3 of my preface on the “mental game” of pottery In my previous post I discussed how to be mentally prepare before you sit down at the wheel and start throwing. You can read it here: Know what you want to make In full disclosure that’s only step 1 in becoming a better wheel … Continue reading
Know what you want to make
Continuing the preface section of the blog that will deal with the “mental game” of pottery. w Often while I am teaching novice students (ones that have been throwing long enough to know the basics of how to make shapes) I’ll hear the frustration in their voice about how they make the same shape over … Continue reading
There is no magic bullet
Before I get into the hard and fast techniques of pottery, there will be a series of posts dealing with what I would call “the mental game” of pottery. Think of them as a preface. They can help you become a better potter just as much as technique can. It would go without out saying, … Continue reading
Sparano Arts 