Beginning
Throwing Basic Cylinders
Project
#1
Problem: Learn how to create a basic cylinder
of even wall thickness using the throwing method on a potter’s wheel.
Objective: Learn the basic techniques of centering, pulling up, and
thinning walls in the act of throwing. Become familiar with the technical
aspects of design height, weight, thickness, balance, and
finished rim and foot.
associated with the creation of
a cylinder.
Strategy: Begin by familiarizing yourself with
the basic throwing technique by reading the throwing on the wheel
worksheet:
Instructions:
Part 1- (Technical half cylinder)
Throw as
many cylinders as it takes to get 5 pieces that are accurate to the dimensions
of 5” in height, 4” in diameter, and 1/4”
thick in the walls and bottom. Practice making
a smooth, even thickness lip on each piece.
Cut all of the cylinders in half vertically and examine the thickness of
the bottom, wall, and lip.
The harder you work on these
cylinders, the easier the next wheel assignment will be…….
TALLER
CYLINDERS…….
Save the
best 10 cylinder sides for a discussion/critique with your instructor. Cut a ½” hole 1” down from the top of each piece for possible mounting later as these
pieces will be bisque and used later for glaze tests.
Part 2-(10 functional tumblers)
Read the
trimming worksheet and watch the trimming demonstration given during class by
your instructor.
Make 10
cylinders of the same dimension given in part one (5”x4”x1/4” thick)
Do
NOT change the shapes: Leave as Cylinders
-
5 Tumblers with a clean surface
- Attention should be paid to
wall thickness, rim and foot. Proportion of height to
Weight should be considered.
-5
Tumblers with carved Surface Design
- Clay responds to a wide range
of mark making, pressing into, carving away,
adding onto, etc. The student may
access and experiment with surface design.
Emphasize: texture, surface, and
pattern design.
IMPORTANT:
-The more pieces you make, the
better results you will have
-This assignment will require
time outside of class as described in the syllabus
-Have a copy of the basic
throwing worksheet with you while working
-You dictate the piece to be
claimed as “My First Piece”. You can
throw 100 cylinders, throw them all away and keep #101 to be called “My First
Piece” for the rest of your life.
http://ceramicartsdaily.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/throwingtips.pdf
