Wheel Throwing for Beginners: Master Techniques to Craft Functional Pottery

Centering the Clay

A course by Isaih Porter , Pottery instructor and wheel-throwing guide

76 students

Audio: English, Spanish

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About the video: Centering the Clay

Overview

“During this lesson, I'll start tackling the potter’s wheel. To make a pot on the wheel, you first need to get the clay spinning symmetrically and centered on the wheel head. It sounds simple, but in practice, it can prove to be challenging. I’ll discuss the fundamentals you should focus on while centering your clay. The first shape you’ll be working on is a cylindrical cup.”

In this video lesson Isaih Porter addresses the topic: Centering the Clay, which is part of the Domestika online course: Wheel Throwing for Beginners: Master Techniques to Craft Functional Pottery. Learn wheel throwing fundamentals to create pottery like mugs, bowls, and jars with essential techniques and tips.

Partial transcription of the video

“ In this lesson, we're going to be talking about how to center our clay on the wheel. It's often overlooked. But it's definitely one of the hardest parts about learning how to throw on the wheel. is just getting your clay to be in the center of your wheel. I'm gonna work through some fundamentals that you should always keep in mind Keep on your mind while you're centering the clay. and while you're throwing in general. Before we get into the clay, Those three fundamentals that you're really going to want to focus on are the three S's. Those are speed, stability and slippery. Starting with ...”

This transcript is automatically generated, so it may contain mistakes.

Course summary for: Wheel Throwing for Beginners: Master Techniques to Craft Functional Pottery

Level: Beginner
76 students
7 units
22 lessons (4h 44m)
13 downloads

Isaih Porter

A course by Isaih Porter

Teacher Plus

Pottery instructor and wheel-throwing guide

Isaih Porter is an accomplished ceramic artist with a unique journey into the world of pottery, blending art and technology. His passion for pottery began in high school, where he honed his skills on a refurbished kiln. This early fascination evolved into a dual major in computer science and art during college, where he creatively explored the intersection of these fields. His senior thesis involved designing a pottery wheel that responded to seismic data, showcasing his innovative approach. After a career in game development in the Bay Area was cut short by the Covid pandemic, Isaih turned to pottery as a full-time pursuit, sharing his craft through viral videos on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Isaih's work has garnered attention and collaborations, including a notable partnership with Bombay Sapphire Gin. His teaching experience spans online workshops and in-person classes, where he passionately advocates for the therapeutic and creative benefits of working with clay. His dedication to the craft led to the establishment of his small business, providing custom pottery for local restaurants, yoga studios, and galleries. Isaih's journey reflects a deep commitment to both his art and the ceramic community, making him a respected figure in contemporary pottery.