How to Pull Up The Walls of a Pot — A Beginner's Guide

Summary

This video tutorial focuses on the art of pottery, specifically the technique of pulling up the walls of a pot. The instructor emphasizes the importance of proper centering and base formation before demonstrating how to evenly and confidently shape the pot's walls. Tips are provided to avoid common mistakes, ensuring a smooth and even distribution of clay. The video also covers the theory behind the pressure needed for wall formation and how to correct issues like uneven thickness or splaying. The instructor shares personal insights and practice recommendations to help beginners improve their pottery skills.

Takeaways

• 🤲 The process of pulling up the walls of a pot begins with a well-centered and base-formed lump of clay, focusing on creating an even and confident shape.
• 🔄 It's crucial to have a sharp angle on the interior corner of the pot and ensure the walls angle upwards before starting to pull.
• 💧 Keeping hands and the pot surface hydrated with water is essential for smooth clay movement and to prevent sticking.
• 👐 The technique involves using a knuckle on the outside and finger pads on the inside, applying consistent pressure while pulling upwards.
• ⏳ Patience is key; rushing the process can lead to uneven walls, increasing the risk of collapse or twisting.
• 🔄 Regularly compressing and neatening the rim after each pull helps maintain an even shape.
• 🚫 Avoid pinching all the way through the wall, which can create holes and compromise the pot's integrity.
• 🔍 Consistent pulling is indicated by evenly spaced throwing rings on the pot's surface, reflecting the steadiness of your hands.
• 🔄 The goal is to achieve a uniform wall thickness throughout the pot, which can be checked by cutting and observing cross-sections.
• 👉 Counteract centrifugal force by applying inward pressure to prevent the pot from splaying outwards and thinning unevenly.
• ✋ The position and movement of your arms are critical; use your forearms for stability and consistent pressure application.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to teach the process of pulling up the walls of a pot on a pottery wheel, including tips and tricks to achieve an even and confident throw.

Why is it important to center and open up the clay correctly before pulling up the walls?

Centering and opening up the clay correctly are important because they ensure the pot is balanced and the walls can be pulled up evenly. Poor centering or opening can make the subsequent steps more difficult and lead to uneven walls or collapse.

What is the purpose of having a sharp angle on the interior corner of the pot?

A sharp angle on the interior corner of the pot is important for controlling the direction in which the walls are pulled up, ensuring they angle upwards rather than outwards, which helps in achieving an even thickness and shape.

How does the potter ensure the walls of the pot angle upwards during the pulling process?

The potter ensures the walls angle upwards by wetting their hands and collaring the walls slightly, which helps direct the wall in the intended direction.

What is the significance of the grooves on either side of the pot during the pulling process?

The grooves on either side of the pot serve as a starting point for pinching the clay and pulling up the walls. They also help in evenly distributing the clay as the potter's fingers and knuckle work together to pull the clay upwards.

Why should the base of the pot not be pushed down further once it's set?

The base of the pot should not be pushed down further once it's set because it's already quite thin, and the goal is to match the thickness of the base with the thickness of the walls after they've been pulled up.

How does the potter maintain consistency while pulling up the walls of the pot?

The potter maintains consistency by moving their hands at a steady and even rate, not pinching progressively more firmly, and keeping the fingers held at a set position throughout the pull.

What is the purpose of observing the throwing rings on the outside surface of the pot?

Observing the throwing rings helps the potter understand the consistency of their movements. Evenly spaced rings indicate even pulls, while irregular rings suggest inconsistent pressure and movement.

Why does the potter aim for walls and a base of the same thickness throughout the pot?

Aim for walls and a base of the same thickness throughout the pot to ensure even weight distribution and prevent the pot from being bottom heavy, which can affect its balance and functionality.

What is the significance of releasing fingers gently at the top of the pot during the pulling process?

Releasing fingers gently at the top of the pot prevents the rim from becoming uneven and off-center, which can happen if pressure is not released carefully and consistently.

How does the potter correct a wobble in the rim of the pot?

The potter corrects a wobble in the rim by wetting the top slightly and using a sharp potter's needle to remove excess clay above the lowest point of the undulation, evening out the rim.