After 3rd class

Good class except for my head cold!

Let's make sure we're all on the same page. I get a little enthusiastic during class with wanting to communicate "everything" and forget to say some of the obvious things.

1). 2-3 weeks is not a long time to have been throwing on the wheel. Perhaps 2-3 years is 'the beginning.' After 3 weeks, it should all be still somewhat precarious.

2). Focus on feel. Pacing and feel. How long is the lump of clay on your wheel (hopefully not too long) and what does it feel like?

3). worry about these variables: wheel speed, throwing speed, pressure on the clay. change these all up in different combinations, try different approaches and pay attention to improvement.

4). don't worry about these variables: lip, belly, foot, type of pot, size, or look.

All the variables in #4 are important and you'll have to worry about all of them soon enough (and more). but each of those is predicated on some type of control. You have to make the clay at least sort-of go where you want it to go before you can make decisions on anything in #4.

do what's comfortable. get these habits solidified: work in a series (have an idea), work clean, and work efficiently. no matter what type of work you want to do in clay, these habits will help get you there.

I'll be in the studio Tues, Wed. Thur. and perhaps Sat. this week. Hope to see you all!