Pottery is a rich and diverse field, with many different techniques and approaches to making pieces. While throwing on the wheel is one of the most well-known and widely used techniques, it’s not for everyone. Some potters prefer to hand-build their pottery pieces, opting for a more tactile and direct approach to sculpting their clay.
Personally, there are times when I can’t throw on the wheel worth a damn (I mean darn). When this happens to me, I just resort to hand-building. Frankly, I like hand-building because you get to see what the piece will look like more quickly. In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why hand-building pottery pieces might be the right choice for some potters.
- More control over the process: Hand-building allows the potter to have a more direct and hands-on approach to shaping the clay. They have complete control over every aspect of the piece, from the thickness of the walls to the shape of the curves.
- Room for creativity: Hand-building allows for more creative expression and experimentation. Potters can try out different techniques, such as pinch pots, coiling, or slab building, to create unique and innovative pieces.
- More forgiving: Hand-building is often considered to be more forgiving than throwing on the wheel, as mistakes can be corrected more easily. This makes it a great choice for beginners who are just starting out.
- More relaxed pace: Hand-building can be a more relaxed and meditative process, allowing potters to take their time and savor the experience of making each piece.
- Lower cost: Hand-building often requires fewer tools and equipment, making it a more accessible option for those who don’t have the space or budget for a pottery wheel. However, if you are a tool hound like we are, this won’t apply to you.
Of course, hand-building has its own set of challenges, including a greater physical effort and a more limited ability to create symmetrical pieces. But for many potters, the creative expression and relaxed pace of hand-building more than make up for these challenges.
In conclusion, whether to throw on the wheel or hand-build is a personal choice that depends on a potter’s preferences, goals, and resources. Both techniques have their own unique advantages and limitations, and the best choice for you will depend on what you’re looking to achieve in your pottery practice.