Glazing, the elephant in the room
Once a session I give a long glaze lecture to my class at Choplet. I say a lecture, because that’s really what I do. I don’t just show how to stir glaze and dip pieces I really try to breakdown how to be successful with glazing. That’s what I want to go over with you … Continue reading
Can’t handle making handles
Let’s talk about making mugs, more specifically the handles. For years I avoided making mugs, simply because I found making handles to be a major pain in the ass. The main reason for this is that I was taught to pull handles, which is a viable method, but not necessarily the easiest, best or more … Continue reading
OK, you’ve made a bowl…Now what?
Today’s blog will be devoted to the decorative and artistic side of bowl making. It will also be finishing up the topic of bowls. Now what I’m about to say may sound controversial to sum and just plain piss off others. Making a bowl, or a cup or a plate isn’t art. Its just not. … Continue reading
Trimming your f$%king bowl
Now that I’ve discussed how to throw a bowl, its time to talk trimming. In this post I’ll be discussing my method of trimming. Next week, I’ll go into trouble shooting any problems you might have when trimming a bowl. Since trouble shooting is next week, I’ll wait to give you an example on what … Continue reading
Finishing steps that won’t f%&k up your pot
This will be the last post on what I would consider the essential techniques you need as a wheel thrower. Today I will be discussing how to finish a pot and take it off the wheel at the most basic level. After this, posts will be focused on making specific shapes or solving specific problems. … 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
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 