Well, it’s a good thing there are 365 days in a year, because I think it’s going to take me at least that long to achieve what I’ve set for myself this year.
I started my clay journey about 12 years ago, taking lessons at a local studio. I had an amazing, funny, laid-back, and knowledgeable teacher, Craig Easter. I looked forward to class every single week. At the time, my kids were young and I wasn’t working full-time, so that space felt especially important. I learned how to throw on the wheel, made some beautiful pieces, and learned a lot about glazing and surface texture. Craig was great at meeting you exactly where you were—no pressure, just good teaching.
I signed up for multiple sessions in a row, and then one day we showed up to class and learned that Craig had passed away suddenly. I was heartbroken. The studio brought in a substitute to finish out the session, but it just wasn’t the same, and I didn’t sign up again after that.
Fast forward to now.
I’ve continued working with clay over the years, but hand-building has definitely become my preferred method. I own a nice Shimpo wheel, but it has a habit of making short appearances in my studio—long enough for me to try it, get frustrated, curse it for taking up space, and eventually banish it back to the garage.
Well… it’s back.
This time, I’m determined to become proficient enough on the wheel to make my monster mug forms. I think it will save me time, and I really love the look of a well-thrown mug body. I’m perfectly happy being a one-trick pony—I don’t need to throw bowls, plates, or vases. I just need one form, done well, and done consistently.
So here’s my New Year’s goal:
I want to throw a mug with a consistent shape and size. That’s it. Nothing fancy. Just a mug.
I know it’s going to take practice. I know it’s going to take time. But here I am. Let’s do this.
Spoiler alert: today’s attempts weren’t good, but they were a start. They were informative, and that counts.
Three things I learned…
- I need to find that wheel-speed sweet spot. I’m definitely out of practice there.
- Cutting pots in half really does teach you a lot (even when you don’t want it to).
- I need to start with more clay. These were five 1-lb balls, and I really need at least 1.25 lbs to get the height and wall thickness I’m after.
See? Learned something already.
Tomorrow, we try again.
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