Pottery: Handbuilding or Throwing?

Pottery is an ancient art form. Archaeologists have recovered pieces that were made many thousands of years ago, and the quality of some of them is astounding. Today, pottery continues to be a popular art and craft.

There are certain techniques that are universal, but each potter has his or her own opinion of the best way to do things. One of the most visible debates among potters involves one of the most basic options in pottery: Is it better to throw or handbuild?

As with many art and craft questions, there is no right or wrong answer to this one. Each technique has its own merits. The best one for an individual potter depends on a number of factors.

Handbuilding

The oldest pottery technique, handbuilding can be used to create some pretty impressive pieces. There are three basic techniques that one can use in handbuilding:

* Pinching – This is the most basic of pottery techniques. Usually the first method attempted by beginning potters, pinching is just what it sounds like. You simply pinch the clay with your fingers to create a pot. It is difficult to maintain uniformity with this method, so it is usually reserved for small pieces.

* Coiling – Coiling is another technique that is easy for beginners, but it’s also often used by experienced potters. It involves rolling the clay into a long worm shape, then coiling it to produce a pot, vase or other item.

* Slab pots – Making a slab pot requires joining flat slabs of clay to make a pot. This can be rather difficult, as the slabs must be firm yet wet in order to hold properly. Joints can also split during firing.

Throwing

Those who are unfamiliar with pottery are often confused by the term ‘throwing.’ Throwing is the technique of creating pottery using a wheel. And to add to the confusion, it is also a specific step in creating pottery with a wheel.

There is a learning curve associated with throwing pottery. It’s crucial to make all of the necessary preparations before you start the wheel, and to make sure your clay is properly centered. And when you’re pulling up the walls (the part known as throwing), it can be difficult to make them uniform in thickness.

Beginning potters generally start out with handbuilding. Advanced potters may handbuild, throw or do some of both. Throwing is generally the preferred method when creating matching sets of pottery, because it is easier to duplicate pieces. It is also a bit more versatile than handbuilding.

Creating pottery is a rewarding pursuit no matter which technique you use. Whether you throw or handbuild, you can make beautiful and useful pieces. Trying both techniques is the best way to determine which one best suits your purposes and abilities.