How to Throw a Plate on The Wheel

Pottery plate throwing is a captivating form of art that combines skill, patience, and creativity. It involves shaping clay on a pottery wheel to create beautiful and functional plates. Mastering wheel techniques is crucial for anyone aspiring to excel in making pottery plates because it establishes the foundation for the craft’s intricacies and beauties.

This guide on how to throw a plate on the wheel outlines a step-by-step approach, starting from the initial preparation of clay to the final glazing and firing processes. Readers will be introduced to essential techniques such as centering, opening the clay, pulling and shaping the walls, trimming, and finishing, among others.

Each skill meticulously contributes to the complex process of pottery plate making, highlighting the importance of practice and precision in achieving remarkable results. By understanding these steps and skills, enthusiasts can look forward to crafting unique pottery plates.

Preparation and Setup

The initial phase in throwing a plate on the wheel is preparation and setup, which is critical for a successful outcome. This involves three essential steps: setting up the pottery wheel, preparing the clay, and organizing the necessary tools and equipment.

A. Setting Up the Pottery Wheel

The pottery wheel is the heart of the plate-making process. Ensure it’s properly aligned and mounted on a stable surface to prevent any unnecessary movement during operation. The wheel’s speed control must be in good working condition, allowing for smooth transitions from slow to fast rotations based on the creation stages of the plate. Proper alignment and stability of the wheel are key to preventing errors in the shape of the plate due to unwanted movements.

B. Preparing Clay

Before you can start throwing, the clay must be prepared carefully. Wedging the clay is akin to kneading dough; it ensures uniform consistency while removing any air pockets that could lead to cracks or imperfections in the final product. This step is vital for achieving the smooth texture needed to shape the clay easily on the wheel. The quality of the finished plate is directly linked to the time and effort put into this preparatory phase.

C. Preparing Tools and Equipment

Gathering the right tools beforehand streamlines the process, allowing for a focus on creativity rather than interruptions to search for essential items. Crucial tools include ribs for shaping and smoothing the clay, a sponge for keeping the clay wet, a wire cutter to remove the finished plate from the wheel, and a throwing bat on which the clay is placed.

Each tool plays a specific role in the creation of pottery plates and, when used effectively, can significantly enhance the meticulous details and overall finish of the piece.

How to Throw a Plate on The Wheel: Centering and Opening

The transition to creating a pottery plate begins with the critical steps of centering and opening the clay, setting the foundation for the piece’s ultimate shape and stability.

A. Centering Clay

Centering the clay on the pottery wheel head is perhaps one of the most challenging skills for beginners to master, but it is essential for the successful creation of a plate. The process involves applying consistent pressure and motion to the clay mass, ensuring it is perfectly symmetrical and centered on the wheel.

This is achieved by using the palms and fingers to squeeze the clay upwards and downwards, gradually coaxing it into the center. A well-centered clay mass will spin smoothly without any wobble, providing a stable base from which to begin shaping the plate.

B. Opening the Clay

Once the clay is centered, the next step is to open it to form the base of the plate. This is done by pressing the thumbs down into the center of the clay mass and applying gentle yet firm pressure. The goal is to create a controlled opening that will serve as the foundation of the plate. The depth and width of this opening must be carefully managed to ensure it supports the walls of the plate during the subsequent steps. The hands and fingers work in unison, with one hand supporting the outside of the clay to maintain its stability and shape while the other hand opens the center.

C. Establishing Base Thickness

Maintaining a uniform thickness at the base of the plate is critical for its structural integrity and functionality. After opening the clay, it’s essential to check the base’s thickness using a needle tool or fingers. The base should be thick enough to support the weight of the plate once completed but not so thick that it detriments the plate’s aesthetics or causes uneven drying and firing. The thickness is carefully adjusted by gently pressing down on the base or removing excess clay. A uniform base thickness ensures the plate will be stable and durable, capable of withstanding the rigors of usage and the subsequent steps in the pottery-making process.

How to Throw a Plate on The Wheel: Pulling and Shaping

After establishing a uniform base thickness, the next phase in throwing a plate on the wheel involves pulling and shaping, which is pivotal for defining the plate’s form and function. This stage demands a delicate balance between force and finesse as the potter interacts more intimately with the clay to coax it into the desired shape.

A. Pulling Walls

The process of pulling the walls begins with wetting the clay to ensure smooth hand movement. Holding the clay gently yet firmly between the fingers of both hands, the potter lifts the clay upward and outward in a controlled manner. This action thins the walls and increases the diameter of the plate. The key here is to maintain an even thickness across the wall to prevent any weak spots leading to warping or collapse. Consistent vertical and horizontal movements and regular checks for uniformity help achieve the perfect balance.

B. Shaping the Form

With the plate walls brought to an adequate height and thickness, shaping the form is the next critical step. This involves using both hands and various shaping tools to fine-tune the plate’s diameter, rim, and overall depth. The potter’s left hand (or right hand, for left-handed individuals) usually supports the inside of the plate, while the opposite hand gently shapes the outer contour.

Ribs, made from wood, metal, or silicone materials, are utilized to sculpt and smooth the plate’s surface, ensuring a graceful transition from the base to the rim. Special attention is given to the rim, as it needs to be strong and well-defined to resist chipping and contain the plate’s contents.

C. Smoothing and Compressing

Once the plate reaches its desired shape, the final step in this phase involves smoothing, compressing, and refining the surface and edges. A sponge or a soft rib is often used to eliminate any remaining imperfections, such as grooves or fingerprints, creating a smooth and even surface. This is also the stage where the potter compresses the clay particles to increase density and reduce the risk of future cracks during drying or firing.

The plate edges are carefully finished, often with a specific tool or a simple damp sponge, to ensure they are rounded, smooth, and functional. This attentive process of smoothing and compressing enhances the plate’s aesthetics and tactile quality and contributes significantly to its durability and longevity.

Trimming and Finishing

The final steps in crafting a pottery plate entail trimming and finishing, which refine the plate’s form and enhance its aesthetic qualities. This stage is crucial for ensuring the plate looks appealing and functions well in its intended capacity.

A. Trimming Foot and Base

Trimming the foot and base begins once the clay body has dried to a leather-hard state. This condition removes excess clay without distorting the plate’s shape. Using various trimming tools, such as loop tools or ribbon tools, the potter carefully trims away clay to create a level base and a foot ring.

The foot ring adds to the plate’s aesthetic and serves a practical purpose by ensuring stability when the plate is set on a surface. The potter must maintain consistent pressure and speed during this process to avoid gouging or uneven trimming. Achieving a smooth, even base and a well-defined footprint requires patience and a steady hand.

B. Adding Texture and Surface Design

After trimming the base and foot ring, artists often seize the opportunity to add unique textures or surface designs to the plate. This can involve techniques such as carving, stamping, or incising the leather-hard clay to create patterns or motifs. Other methods can include adding slips or underglazes to introduce color or using sgraffito techniques to reveal layers of color.

These decorative steps allow for great creativity, transforming each plate into a one-of-a-kind piece. The choice of design and technique depends on the potter’s artistic vision and the intended use of the plate.

C. Refining Details

The last phase in the finishing process involves refining and perfecting the plate’s details. This includes cleaning any rough spots, smoothing edges with a sponge or rib, and ensuring that all decorative elements are well-integrated and complement the overall form of the plate. Attention to detail during this phase can significantly impact the tactile and visual quality of the finished piece.

Whether it’s ensuring the rim of the plate is perfectly smooth to the touch or that the surface design is flawlessly executed, these final touches are a testament to the potter’s skill and dedication to their craft. The plate is left to dry completely before undergoing bisque firing, preparing it for glazing and the final firing process.

Drying and Bisque Firing

A. Allowing for Drying Time

After the refining details phase, the next crucial step involves allowing the thrown plate to dry slowly and evenly to prevent cracking or warping. This drying process is pivotal as it prepares the plate for bisque firing. Plates should be left in a draft-free area at room temperature and covered with a light cloth or plastic sheet to control the drying rate.

This slow drying process can take several days, depending on the thickness of the plate and the humidity levels in the environment. It’s essential to monitor the plates closely during this period to ensure they dry uniformly, flipping or rotating them if necessary to avoid any moisture concentration that could lead to deformities.

B. Preparing for Bisque Firing

Once the plates have dried to a “bone dry” state, where they no longer feel cold to the touch, they are ready for bisque firing. Preparing the plates for this stage involves placing them on bats or shelves and ensuring there is adequate spacing between each piece to allow for proper air circulation and even firing.

Handling the dry plates carefully is crucial to avoid chipping or breaking the fragile bisque. The kiln shelves must be prepared with kiln wash or supports to prevent the plates from sticking during firing. This preparation is critical for a successful firing process.

C. Bisque Firing Process

The bisque firing process involves loading the dried plates into the kiln and firing them at low temperatures, typically between 1000°C and 1200°C (1832°F and 2192°F). This initial firing removes all remaining moisture from the clay, hardens it, and makes it more stable and less fragile, setting the stage for glazing. The entire bisque firing cycle, including heating and cooling, can take up to 24 hours, depending on the kiln’s size and the specific clay composition used.

During this phase, the transformation of clay into a ceramic material occurs, as chemical water is permanently removed from the clay particles, enhancing the durability and integrity of the plate. Proper ventilation is essential during bisque firing to allow gases released from the clay to escape, ensuring a uniform and efficient firing process.

Glazing and Final Firing

Glazing is a critical phase in the pottery-making process. The bisque-fired plates are coated with a thin layer of glaze that is fused to the surface during the final firing, creating a glasslike finish that is both functional and decorative.

A. Glaze Preparation

The preparation of glazes begins with selecting and preparing glaze formulations that complement the clay body and match the potter’s intended surface effects. Glazes can vary widely in color, texture, and finish, ranging from glossy and smooth to matte and textured. Potters must carefully weigh and mix glaze components, which often include silica, alumina, and various metal oxides for color.

After mixing, the glaze is sieved to remove any lumps, ensuring a smooth application. The choice of glaze and application method is determined by the desired effect on the final piece, such as opacity, glossiness, and color response under high firing temperatures.

B. Glazing Process

Applying glaze to bisque-fired plates can be done through various techniques, including brushing, dipping, or spraying. Each method offers different advantages, with brushing allowing for detailed work, dipping ensuring fast and even coverage, and spraying providing a consistent coat on complex surfaces.

Before application, the surface of the bisque ware is often wiped clean to remove any dust that might prevent the glaze from adhering properly. The potter must ensure even coverage to avoid drips or thin spots, which could affect the quality of the finished product. Multiple coats may be necessary depending on the glaze and desired effect, with drying time in between.

C. Final Firing

The final firing is where the transformation of glaze into a smooth, durable ceramic coating occurs. This stage requires firing the glazed plates in the kiln at high temperatures, typically between 1200°C and 1300°C (2192°F and 2372°F). This process fuses the glaze to the clay body, creating a vitrified surface that is impervious to water and resilient to wear.

The firing cycle, including ramp up and cool down, can take several days, depending on the kiln’s size and the glaze’s specific requirements. Successful final firing results in the glaze melting and bonding to the surface, producing the plate’s final color and finish. This careful combination of art and science ensures that each plate is a unique piece of art and functional for everyday use.

Conclusion

The process of creating pottery plates on the wheel involves several meticulous steps, starting with wedging the clay and proceeding through bisque firing, glazing, and the final firing. Each stage, from shaping the clay on the wheel to carefully applying glaze, is crucial in determining the final piece’s success.

Mastering the technique of how to throw a plate on the wheel requires dedication, practice, and patience. The art of pottery making is a skill that develops over time, through continuous learning and perseverance. Every potter’s journey is unique, with each challenge faced on the wheel serving as a valuable lesson in enhancing one’s craft.

I encourage you to view the pottery-making process as an exciting opportunity to express your creativity and experiment with various shapes, glazes, and techniques. The beauty of learning how to throw a plate on the wheel lies in the endless possibilities it presents, allowing for the creation of truly unique and personal pieces. Don’t be afraid to explore and push the boundaries of your pottery practice!