For the past few weeks, Steve and I have been taking a wheel throwing class at the Mosesian Center for the Arts.
It has been a wonderful and terrible experience. This is our teacher, Maeve:
And this is the pottery studio:
We got super lucky and no other students signed up. So, Steve and I have had a private class all to ourselves!
I am the worst potter.
Not that it's a competition, but I'm clearly in last place. I've been impressed with Steve — who is not an artist and has never done wheel throwing before. He has taken to throwing, like a duck to water.
I, on the other hand, am flopping around endlessly. I mean, look at these beasts:
I actually think it's good for me. As a teacher, it's good for me to remember what it's like to really struggle and how it feels to be embarrassed by what you're creating.
While there's no doubt that I struggle with throwing round pots with vertical walls (though, I am getting better), I loooooove the decorating portion of making pottery (big surprise). It's amazing what whittling away at a leather hard piece can do:
I love that I can fix all the problems I create for myself in the finishing stages. Adding decoration definitely makes the misshapen nature of my vessels less obvious.
I've also been experimenting with how underglazes and glazes combine — the rules of color mixing apply here as well. We have a great resource in class, which is these tiles that show how the different underglazes and glazes combine.
The purple is the underglaze. The light blue is the glaze. And the cobalt blue is how they combine. Pretty cool!
Our last class is tomorrow and I haven't finished a single piece yet! I'm going to have work fast tomorrow and get everything into the kiln. I'll be sure to show you the results in a few weeks!
And despite my grumblings about being terrible at it, I really am enjoying it so much!
Thanks for stopping by!
Do I see some team work developing here? Steve throws, you decorate?
I had a go years ago and was useless at throwing so I spent my time making beads for hanging macrame pot holders, mush to the consternation of my tutor.
Do I see some team work developing here? Steve throws, you decorate?
I had a go years ago and was useless at throwing so I spent my time making beads for hanging macrame pot holders, mush to the consternation of my tutor.
Do I see some team work developing here? Steve throws, you decorate?
I had a go years ago and was useless at throwing so I spent my time making beads for hanging macrame pot holders, mush to the consternation of my tutor.
Do I see some team work developing here? Steve throws, you decorate?
I had a go years ago and was useless at throwing so I spent my time making beads for hanging macrame pot holders, mush to the consternation of my tutor.
Do I see some team work developing here? Steve throws, you decorate?
I had a go years ago and was useless at throwing so I spent my time making beads for hanging macrame pot holders, mush to the consternation of my tutor.
Do I see some team work developing here? Steve throws, you decorate?
I had a go years ago and was useless at throwing so I spent my time making beads for hanging macrame pot holders, mush to the consternation of my tutor.
Do I see some team work developing here? Steve throws, you decorate?
I had a go years ago and was useless at throwing so I spent my time making beads for hanging macrame pot holders, mush to the consternation of my tutor.
no mistakes just happy accidents :). actually I liked the “flops” as works of art and with your skills you can make masterpieces.
no mistakes just happy accidents :). actually I liked the “flops” as works of art and with your skills you can make masterpieces.
no mistakes just happy accidents :). actually I liked the “flops” as works of art and with your skills you can make masterpieces.
no mistakes just happy accidents :). actually I liked the “flops” as works of art and with your skills you can make masterpieces.
no mistakes just happy accidents :). actually I liked the “flops” as works of art and with your skills you can make masterpieces.
no mistakes just happy accidents :). actually I liked the “flops” as works of art and with your skills you can make masterpieces.
no mistakes just happy accidents :). actually I liked the “flops” as works of art and with your skills you can make masterpieces.
what fun….can’t wait to see all of the finished products !
what fun….can’t wait to see all of the finished products !
what fun….can’t wait to see all of the finished products !
what fun….can’t wait to see all of the finished products !
what fun….can’t wait to see all of the finished products !
what fun….can’t wait to see all of the finished products !
what fun….can’t wait to see all of the finished products !
Aw, Julie, this takes me back 50 years ago when I was an art student majoring in ceramics. Then later when I set up my own “pot shop” and earned my living as a potter. Just think you and Steve can do that, too, in the basement of your new house. He throws,you decorate, a combo that is sure to win!
Aw, Julie, this takes me back 50 years ago when I was an art student majoring in ceramics. Then later when I set up my own “pot shop” and earned my living as a potter. Just think you and Steve can do that, too, in the basement of your new house. He throws,you decorate, a combo that is sure to win!
Aw, Julie, this takes me back 50 years ago when I was an art student majoring in ceramics. Then later when I set up my own “pot shop” and earned my living as a potter. Just think you and Steve can do that, too, in the basement of your new house. He throws,you decorate, a combo that is sure to win!
Aw, Julie, this takes me back 50 years ago when I was an art student majoring in ceramics. Then later when I set up my own “pot shop” and earned my living as a potter. Just think you and Steve can do that, too, in the basement of your new house. He throws,you decorate, a combo that is sure to win!
Aw, Julie, this takes me back 50 years ago when I was an art student majoring in ceramics. Then later when I set up my own “pot shop” and earned my living as a potter. Just think you and Steve can do that, too, in the basement of your new house. He throws,you decorate, a combo that is sure to win!
Aw, Julie, this takes me back 50 years ago when I was an art student majoring in ceramics. Then later when I set up my own “pot shop” and earned my living as a potter. Just think you and Steve can do that, too, in the basement of your new house. He throws,you decorate, a combo that is sure to win!
Aw, Julie, this takes me back 50 years ago when I was an art student majoring in ceramics. Then later when I set up my own “pot shop” and earned my living as a potter. Just think you and Steve can do that, too, in the basement of your new house. He throws,you decorate, a combo that is sure to win!
I loved ceramics. Throwing is hard but you can redeem yourself with trimming – or at least I could. Enjoy it
I loved ceramics. Throwing is hard but you can redeem yourself with trimming – or at least I could. Enjoy it
I loved ceramics. Throwing is hard but you can redeem yourself with trimming – or at least I could. Enjoy it
I loved ceramics. Throwing is hard but you can redeem yourself with trimming – or at least I could. Enjoy it
I loved ceramics. Throwing is hard but you can redeem yourself with trimming – or at least I could. Enjoy it
I loved ceramics. Throwing is hard but you can redeem yourself with trimming – or at least I could. Enjoy it
I loved ceramics. Throwing is hard but you can redeem yourself with trimming – or at least I could. Enjoy it
Writing inside the pot…all that journaling paying off big time.
Writing inside the pot…all that journaling paying off big time.
Writing inside the pot…all that journaling paying off big time.
Writing inside the pot…all that journaling paying off big time.
Writing inside the pot…all that journaling paying off big time.
Writing inside the pot…all that journaling paying off big time.
Writing inside the pot…all that journaling paying off big time.
This looks fun, but I bet it’s a game changer if it’s not. Right, when you can’t do it. But I learn over my years, that I always could do a little of something, but never could be real good at anything. I guess growing up I guess I could be the winner of who could stay in the creek the longest. That I could win hands down. Ha ha. Take Care Your Great
This looks fun, but I bet it’s a game changer if it’s not. Right, when you can’t do it. But I learn over my years, that I always could do a little of something, but never could be real good at anything. I guess growing up I guess I could be the winner of who could stay in the creek the longest. That I could win hands down. Ha ha. Take Care Your Great
This looks fun, but I bet it’s a game changer if it’s not. Right, when you can’t do it. But I learn over my years, that I always could do a little of something, but never could be real good at anything. I guess growing up I guess I could be the winner of who could stay in the creek the longest. That I could win hands down. Ha ha. Take Care Your Great
This looks fun, but I bet it’s a game changer if it’s not. Right, when you can’t do it. But I learn over my years, that I always could do a little of something, but never could be real good at anything. I guess growing up I guess I could be the winner of who could stay in the creek the longest. That I could win hands down. Ha ha. Take Care Your Great
This looks fun, but I bet it’s a game changer if it’s not. Right, when you can’t do it. But I learn over my years, that I always could do a little of something, but never could be real good at anything. I guess growing up I guess I could be the winner of who could stay in the creek the longest. That I could win hands down. Ha ha. Take Care Your Great
This looks fun, but I bet it’s a game changer if it’s not. Right, when you can’t do it. But I learn over my years, that I always could do a little of something, but never could be real good at anything. I guess growing up I guess I could be the winner of who could stay in the creek the longest. That I could win hands down. Ha ha. Take Care Your Great
This looks fun, but I bet it’s a game changer if it’s not. Right, when you can’t do it. But I learn over my years, that I always could do a little of something, but never could be real good at anything. I guess growing up I guess I could be the winner of who could stay in the creek the longest. That I could win hands down. Ha ha. Take Care Your Great
This is text book, my hubby was a natural and I struggled with rigidity. But your finishes are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing, I feel better lol
This is text book, my hubby was a natural and I struggled with rigidity. But your finishes are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing, I feel better lol
This is text book, my hubby was a natural and I struggled with rigidity. But your finishes are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing, I feel better lol
This is text book, my hubby was a natural and I struggled with rigidity. But your finishes are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing, I feel better lol
This is text book, my hubby was a natural and I struggled with rigidity. But your finishes are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing, I feel better lol
This is text book, my hubby was a natural and I struggled with rigidity. But your finishes are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing, I feel better lol
This is text book, my hubby was a natural and I struggled with rigidity. But your finishes are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing, I feel better lol
Julie, they look great! You should try slab building. It is so much fun. I make mermaids! I can’t throw. The wheel is my enemy, but I love to hand build.
Julie, they look great! You should try slab building. It is so much fun. I make mermaids! I can’t throw. The wheel is my enemy, but I love to hand build.
Julie, they look great! You should try slab building. It is so much fun. I make mermaids! I can’t throw. The wheel is my enemy, but I love to hand build.
Julie, they look great! You should try slab building. It is so much fun. I make mermaids! I can’t throw. The wheel is my enemy, but I love to hand build.
Julie, they look great! You should try slab building. It is so much fun. I make mermaids! I can’t throw. The wheel is my enemy, but I love to hand build.
Julie, they look great! You should try slab building. It is so much fun. I make mermaids! I can’t throw. The wheel is my enemy, but I love to hand build.
Julie, they look great! You should try slab building. It is so much fun. I make mermaids! I can’t throw. The wheel is my enemy, but I love to hand build.
Well, I must disagree…Steve is an artist. An artist in the making. Steve had no idea that he was an artist but lo and behold…inside that man there lies, an artist. It is a great eye opener for those of us who struggle with considering ourselves artists when we compare ourselves with the likes of you and so many others who create such incredible works. It has been fun watching both of you as you find yourselves growing in new ways. I know I would struggle with the throwing and forming those bowls..I have no hand strength. Maybe Steve needs to throw and you need to decorate… OR, maybe you need another class and you will get better and better because, that seems to be what you do. I love watching you guys..it has been wonderful!
Well, I must disagree…Steve is an artist. An artist in the making. Steve had no idea that he was an artist but lo and behold…inside that man there lies, an artist. It is a great eye opener for those of us who struggle with considering ourselves artists when we compare ourselves with the likes of you and so many others who create such incredible works. It has been fun watching both of you as you find yourselves growing in new ways. I know I would struggle with the throwing and forming those bowls..I have no hand strength. Maybe Steve needs to throw and you need to decorate… OR, maybe you need another class and you will get better and better because, that seems to be what you do. I love watching you guys..it has been wonderful!
Well, I must disagree…Steve is an artist. An artist in the making. Steve had no idea that he was an artist but lo and behold…inside that man there lies, an artist. It is a great eye opener for those of us who struggle with considering ourselves artists when we compare ourselves with the likes of you and so many others who create such incredible works. It has been fun watching both of you as you find yourselves growing in new ways. I know I would struggle with the throwing and forming those bowls..I have no hand strength. Maybe Steve needs to throw and you need to decorate… OR, maybe you need another class and you will get better and better because, that seems to be what you do. I love watching you guys..it has been wonderful!
Well, I must disagree…Steve is an artist. An artist in the making. Steve had no idea that he was an artist but lo and behold…inside that man there lies, an artist. It is a great eye opener for those of us who struggle with considering ourselves artists when we compare ourselves with the likes of you and so many others who create such incredible works. It has been fun watching both of you as you find yourselves growing in new ways. I know I would struggle with the throwing and forming those bowls..I have no hand strength. Maybe Steve needs to throw and you need to decorate… OR, maybe you need another class and you will get better and better because, that seems to be what you do. I love watching you guys..it has been wonderful!
Well, I must disagree…Steve is an artist. An artist in the making. Steve had no idea that he was an artist but lo and behold…inside that man there lies, an artist. It is a great eye opener for those of us who struggle with considering ourselves artists when we compare ourselves with the likes of you and so many others who create such incredible works. It has been fun watching both of you as you find yourselves growing in new ways. I know I would struggle with the throwing and forming those bowls..I have no hand strength. Maybe Steve needs to throw and you need to decorate… OR, maybe you need another class and you will get better and better because, that seems to be what you do. I love watching you guys..it has been wonderful!
Well, I must disagree…Steve is an artist. An artist in the making. Steve had no idea that he was an artist but lo and behold…inside that man there lies, an artist. It is a great eye opener for those of us who struggle with considering ourselves artists when we compare ourselves with the likes of you and so many others who create such incredible works. It has been fun watching both of you as you find yourselves growing in new ways. I know I would struggle with the throwing and forming those bowls..I have no hand strength. Maybe Steve needs to throw and you need to decorate… OR, maybe you need another class and you will get better and better because, that seems to be what you do. I love watching you guys..it has been wonderful!
Well, I must disagree…Steve is an artist. An artist in the making. Steve had no idea that he was an artist but lo and behold…inside that man there lies, an artist. It is a great eye opener for those of us who struggle with considering ourselves artists when we compare ourselves with the likes of you and so many others who create such incredible works. It has been fun watching both of you as you find yourselves growing in new ways. I know I would struggle with the throwing and forming those bowls..I have no hand strength. Maybe Steve needs to throw and you need to decorate… OR, maybe you need another class and you will get better and better because, that seems to be what you do. I love watching you guys..it has been wonderful!