For wheel throwing , once the clay is pugged and wedged it is centered on the wheel. This is a very critical step as it is the foundation of the pot. The pot is only as true and as strong as the centering.
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The next step is opening the centered clay so the potter's hands can begin to pull the clay up vertically from both inside and out.
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Cindy demonstrates opening the clay .From our DVD "A Down to Earth Look at How We Make Pottery" Every wheel thrown pot comes from a cylinder. Vases are tall thin ones and plates are short fat ones but they all begin as a cylinder.
Next Page - Throwing a Bowl, Trimming, and Drying