Introduction to the Pottery Wheel

Are you looking to get away from your computer and get your hands dirty? This is your chance! This course will introduce you to the age-old skill of throwing pottery on the wheel. We will cover everything (most everything) you need to know about how to make a round vessel that can later be used for storage, to drink from or to cook in. In this class we will start by learning the skill of centering the clay on the wheel, the foundation of all wheel throwing. We will then work on raising the walls of the pot to make a basic cylinder. From there we will progress to making other forms such as bowls and rounded vessels, depending on each student’s skill level and desires to learn other forms. Along the way students will also learn about things such as the properties of clays, wedging (de-airing) clay, how to reclaim clay and other tidbits.

The instructor, Danny Blumenfeld, has been creating wheel throwing pottery and hand built ceramic objects on and off for over 20 years and is a member of the Carolina Clay Matters pottery guild. He has studied under a variety of different instructors at CPCC, Clayworks and at Penland School of Craft, incorporating everything he has learned into his style of working with clay. He currently a contract employee at Clayworks teaching both hand building and wheel throwing.

Classes will consist of six sessions held on the same day and time each week and will focus on developing the basic skills needed to make one-of-a-kind vessels.

Each class consists of a demonstration and hands on instruction and assistance. Danny will work with each student individually while they are learning the basic skills and will offer assistance as needed. All students will be required to clean their wheel, tools and work area at the end of each class.

The six week program is as follows:

Class 1: Centering the clay and raising the walls into a cylinder.

Class 2: Practice the skills learned in Class 1.

Class 3: Learn how to trim and add a handle to a thrown pot and continue practicing and try to create taller cylinders.

Class 4: For those who are ready, learn how to throw a bowl and/or a rounded vessel.

Class 5: Last session for wet work!! Continue practicing and refining your skills. Trim and decorate any pots that you want to save.

Class 6: Final session. Discuss glazes and the glazing process and students will glaze their own work with assistance as needed from the instructor.

Enrolled students will have access to the studio at any time to work on their ceramic projects as long as there is a member present to let them in.

Students will be working with stoneware clay and glazes. They are the same materials used in the production of high-fired stoneware which is fired to 2118 to 2165 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in pieces that are all food, microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe.

The class fee includes all the tools and materials (including one 25-lb bag of clay), shelf storage and the ability to fire 10 finished pieces. Additional pieces may be fired at the usual studio rate based on the size of the object.

IMPORTANT: Class is open to ages 16 and up, though minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. The adult must purchase an additional ticket to attend the class.

Please wear appropriate clothing for getting clay on. All students are highly encouraged to bring a large towel to drape across their lap while throwing on the wheel.

Pottery pieces not picked after 30 days will be discarded.

Class may be canceled due to low enrollment in which case a full refund will be issued.

Host or Publisher MakerSpace Charlotte