Wheel Classes are taught at either Beginning or Intermediate-to-Advanced Levels.
In Beginning Wheel classes students learn to “wedge” or knead the clay to remove air bubbles and insure even wetness, to center the clay on the wheel-head, and to form simple shapes such as cylinders (cups and mugs), bowls and vases. When shapes are leather hard the student will wheel- or hand-trim to finish them. When the work is dry it will be bisque fired by studio assistants, then the student – guided by instruction – will glaze the piece and it will be fired again. Beginner’s work may be functional, fanciful, decorative, artful, or any combination of these qualities, depending on the intention and imagination of the maker. While throwing pots requires attention and practice, it is not unusual for the attuned beginner to produce beautiful work.
In the Intermediate-to-Advanced Wheel classes the basics are reviewed as needed and the centering of larger pieces of clay and throwing of more difficult shapes – bigger, higher, rounder and narrower – are taught. We learn to throw pots with thinner walls. We attempt globe-like vases with narrow necks. We may practice making matching sets of plates or mugs. Separately thrown shapes are combined to make tea-pots and other complex pieces. We learn sophisticated glazing techniques including the use of wax and latex resists, slips, oxides, and more. It is not uncommon at this stage for a potter to get stuck; suddenly not centering well; unable to throw a taller vase; or just in a rut, making the same sort of pot over and over. Small class size lets the instructor work with the student toward a solution. As in all classes at Chambers Pottery there is no lock-step curriculum. While the instructors demonstrate a wide variety of techniques, the choice of projects is dependent upon interest and ability of the individual.