I've been taking a ceramics class at a local community college for the past 8 weeks or so, and it has been kicking my ass. I incorrectly guessed that wheel throwing would be my forte - I used to enjoy it so much in high school, and was decent at it. But for the first time in a very long time, I got completely whupped by trying to learn a new skill. I sat at the wheel surrounded by sloppy wet clay disasters while slippery red liquid leaked out of my wheel tray and onto my shoe. I felt OLD. This was hard. This was that old dog (re)learning new tricks thing. My back ached, my fingers were cold and numb and hurting from my (somewhat crappy) gritty clay, and I could not get the damn disc of clay centered to save my life.
I still can't get it centered. But I gave it my best, truly, and came out with a couple of decent looking bowls. How did I make things in high school, with literally zero instruction? I just sat down and threw. Now, with a teacher to guide me and even place my hands where they should go, I flop. Maybe there's such a thing as too much instruction. I do want to keep at it though, and learn my own rhythm.
I never thought I'd say it, but hand building was much more fun. I played with organic shapes and made lots of imperfect pieces, which felt so so good. I like the look of lumpy, natural plates and bowls. And at least when you make an imperfect hand-built piece, it doesn't go flying off the wheel or flop over in a state of disgust.
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3 comments:
I didn't learn to center properly until a teacher who was also a production potter taught me. It really is technique, and potters who only do "art" often don't know it.
I definitely think we can receive too much instruction at times. I know I tend to approach tasks much differently when I've gained knowledge and experience than I do when I approach them as a beginner. Personally, I love that beginner stage best - that time when you're feeling your way and drawing on natural abilities; the rewards seem greater somehow.
Don't despair - YOUR special way of throwing clay may not match your instructor's way, but it's still very valid.
Blessings,
Kelley
Don't give up the wheel. I am the oldest dog and i finally learned this new trick. It was frustrating and I too was angrypants that I could not easily do this new thing. Just keep at it and you will get in rhythm. Let go let wheel.
Hope to see you again in the mud room.
Dlm
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