Process
Ten steps from a lump of clay to a finished pot.
The same ten steps, every pot, every week. Scroll through them in order.
Centring
2.4 kg iron stoneware
A wedged ball of clay is slapped onto the wheel. Wet hands press on it until it spins without a wobble.
Coning
Wheel at 140 rpm
The clay is squeezed up into a tall cone. Then it is pushed back down, twice, to line up every particle.
Opening
Floor left 8 mm thick
Thumbs find the middle and press down. The floor is drawn out to the width of the pot.
Pulling
Three pulls
Fingers inside and out pinch the wall and lift it. Each pull leaves a shallow spiral ring behind.
Shaping
Wooden rib
A wooden rib pushes the belly out from inside. The neck is collared in and the lip is folded last.
Drying
Six days
Off the wheel, the pot dries slowly under plastic. It is ready when it rings as you tap it.
Bisque
Fired to 1000 °C
The first firing turns clay into ceramic. The pot comes out pale and thirsty for glaze.
Celadon
Cone 10 reduction
Iron in this glaze turns jade green in a smoky kiln. It pools darker wherever the throwing rings dip.
Tenmoku
Cone 10 reduction
A black iron glaze that thins to rust at the rim. Tiny silver oil spots gather on the shoulder.
Shino
Cone 10 reduction
A thick feldspar glaze that flashes orange where it runs thin. It traps grey carbon from the flame.
