Awkward Trimming Positions...

Trimming larger works require some unusual positioning in order to brace the tool properly, so that it remains stable. Normally I can just shove my arms into my torso to lock them into place, or I brace them on the wheel-tray, but in this instance, it requires some more advanced techniques, such as the chin-brace and the double fisted grip. The spinning clay will naturally want to grab at the tools blade and yank it around, so I have to try my hardest to keep the trimmer securely in place. After the success of the first batch of these I’m eager to make more, although again, despite the foot looking rather substantial in this instance, upon looking at the now bone-dry vessel, I still should have left another 4-5 cm in the foot… The thing is, with smaller iterations it’s quick work simply throwing and trimming another to replace it, but on this scale that’s altogether a slower activity. Mainly due to the fact that once thrown, I leave these pots to turn leather hard very slowly so that it remains evenly dried out. If a vessel dries out too much from one side too quickly it can create an undulation in the form that’s practically impossible to ‘properly’ deal with. Soon to be glazed and fired, with just as much success as the last, I hope. #pottery #bowl #howto #ceramics #handmade #clay #satisfying