i recently did a 6 week wheel throwing course at a different studio
i decided to go back to basics and re-learn the 2 essential forms, cylinders & bowls, but also focus on retaining the correct throwing form
since i first learnt to throw on the wheel over a year ago, i've found myself distorting my form and reinforcing bad habits, resulting in frustration and a stagnation in my skills progression
i've been mostly doing hand building, but with a real itch for the wheel, so the course was 100% worth it
the bowl is still a shape i struggle with, but i am hoping the practice of weekly repetition will solidify the foundations i have learnt
it was also my first time learning to pull handles
arguably one of the more divisive pottery techniques, and while i found the task quite meditative, i definitely avoided making eye contact with anyone at all costs
the studio makes their own glazes, which made glazing night really fun and exciting
this particular glaze is probably my favourite out of the lot - they call it "mouldy crumpet", which sounds like the name of a british indie band from the 2010's
these two both have a base of tenmoku (another fave) with different glazes layered on the rim
the smallest cylinder was glazed in "mystery" glaze, and makes a fine home for our little succulent
for now, i am keeping up the practice of throwing at least 2 cylinders and 2 bowls each week i'm at the studio, longing for a wheel of my own to practice more regularly
i will probably go back and do another course in the autumn, perhaps learning to throw bigger, or more elaborate forms
