Intermediate Wheel (Throwing BIG)

Service Description

Thursday evenings (6:30-9pm) This 6-week course is designed for intermediate wheel-throwers who are ready to push scale, test structural limits, and build more ambitious forms. We will focus on increasing clay weight (3–5 lbs and beyond), refining centering strategies for larger amounts of clay, and developing composite and coil-thrown forms that allow for greater height and volume. Students will learn how to plan proportions before throwing, think through structural integrity, and approach larger work with intention rather than force. This class emphasizes patience, timing, and problem-solving at every stage from centering to trimming to glazing. Students should feel confident centering and pulling 2–3 lb forms independently before enrolling. Week 1: Scaling Up + Planning • Demonstration: wedging and centering 3–5 lbs efficiently • Strategies for opening and pulling thicker walls without losing control • Discussion: proportions at scale, sketching, and planning larger forms before throwing Week 2: Trimming Large Forms + Chucks • Demonstration: trimming larger pieces using wet and bisque chucks • Supporting tall or wide forms safely on the wheel • Introduction to composite forms (bottles, planters, moon jars) and planning multi-part builds Week 3: Composite Throwing • Demonstration: throwing sections for composite forms • Joining techniques: moisture levels, scoring, compressing seams for structural strength • Introduction to coil throwing using grogged clay for added stability Week 4: Coil Throwing + Attachments • Building height through coil throwing on the wheel • Managing weight and preventing collapse • Adding and refining attachments at scale (handles, feet, collars) Week 5: Refinement + Glazing Large Work • Final trimming and refining larger bottoms and rims • Surface decisions that support bold forms • Glazing strategies for large-scale pieces: pouring, layering, and managing runoff Week 6: Glaze Party + Group Critique • Final glazing time and troubleshooting • Discussion of scale, proportion, and structural successes • Celebrating ambitious work and reflecting on process