The Basics of Throwing: A Practical Approach to Form and Design

The Basics of Throwing: A Practical Approach to Form and Design Review

To master the timeless craft of clay wheel throwing, a ceramicist must understand more than the attributes of clay and the operation of the potter's wheel. Successful practitioners learn to combine technical knowledge and physical skill with emotional control and a highly developed aesthetic sense. The learning process can be extremely frustrating for beginners, but thorough background information and a proper mindset can ease the journey to technical proficiency and self-expression.

The Basics of Throwing offers the kind of detailed instruction that is critical to the sustained practice of clay wheel throwing. In this thoroughly illustrated book, master potter David Cohen explores the essential aspects of the craft—the preparation of clay, the required tools, the mechanics governing the potter's wheel, the technical vocabulary, and the fundamental thrown forms of ceramic ware. In addition, Cohen shares insights into the value of related details, such as posture, breath, rhythm, and drawing, in the creation of quality clay ware. His clear writing links the physical relationship between body, clay, and wheel to the principles of beauty. Full-color photographs further clarify each concept and method. The Basics of Throwing ends with inspiring profiles of some of today's best potters.

David Cohen's comprehensive instruction and holistic framework make The Basics of Throwing a unique resource for potters and ceramics educators.

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The Soulwork of Clay: A Hands-On Approach to Spirituality

The Soulwork of Clay: A Hands-On Approach to Spirituality Review

Let go of your pretensions--squeeze, shape, knead & play your way to spiritual growth.

"I am being formed by the clay. I am reconnecting with the earth, and with the other basic elements, too--air, water, fire--and life itself. Every gesture leaves its trail in the clay. Every fingerprint, a message. My breath fills the cavity. My touch curves the wall of a bowl. And inwardly, I am being formed by the outward practice. I am learning to trust the process, to lean into the possibilities rather than striving for some predetermined goal. I am being hollowed out, stretched and constricted, trimmed and sometimes reworked entirely."
-from the Prologue

Drawing from her first-hand experience of working with clay, Marjory Zoet Bankson takes you through the seven-step process of making clay into a pot, drawing parallels at each stage to the process of spiritual growth:
Grounding--Connecting with our core elements
Kneading--Awakening to the inner realm
Centering--Gathering everything together
Shaping--Focusing inner and outer pressures
Finishing--Trimming away the excess
Decorating--Adding a playful touch
Firing--Committing to transformation

This simple connection with the earth has the potential to put you in touch with the whole of creation and, at the same time, your soul's longing to participate as an artist, creating something new and unique.

Through reflective questions in each chapter--along with a wealth of unique clay projects that even beginners can do--Bankson invites you on a journey of spiritual discovery, a path of reconnecting with your body and spirit, and with the earth itself.

"Pairs insight with play in this invitation to inner awakening through creative time with clay. Guides us to embody an almost childlike awareness of the present moment while engaging in the mature work of becoming our fullest selves--for our own sake and that of the world."
--Grace G. Ogden, director, Sacred Circles spirituality program, Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

"Rich with wise reflections on the art of living with congruence and integrity so that the outer shape of our lives accurately reflects the inner space. You don't have to become a potter to benefit from this book."
--Rev. Thomas Ryan, csp, author, Soul Fire: Accessing Your Creativity

"Draws powerful parallels to our own process of spiritual growth, showing us why `the potter and the clay' is one of the most ancient and deep-reaching of all spiritual metaphors."
--Parker J. Palmer, author, A Hidden Wholeness Read more...

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