I have been taking pottery lessons for the past 8-9 weeks. There is a lot to learn and I am enjoying the experience. I have created some pieces that I am reasonably pleased with. In addition to the pleasure of the experience, working the clay is an opportunity to learn some interesting lessons.
When you throw clay on the wheel, the first and most difficult step is to center the clay on the wheel. If you do not get the lump of clay centered you will not be able to shape and work the clay properly. I really struggle with centering. Part of the problem is that centering is not achieved by simply following the teacher’s instructions, it requires a sense of feel and understanding that comes through the whole experience. You might say a relationship with the clay develops. The clay is no longer independent but becomes compliant, yielding to the will of the firm hand of the potter. It is only when all the vibration and resistance of the clay has diminished that the clay is centered and then can be shaped to the will of the potter.
Those who know me well will probably understand why I have such a hard time with centering.