Wheel thrown Mugs
In the process of creating my wheel thrown mugs, I developed many skills that I have learned for the first time. It was initially entertaining because in the past units, I have only created pots through earthenware clay. However, during wheel throwing unit, I got to use stoneware clay that would allow the mugs to stay more rigid and hard. I found it easy to center the clay and put force to bring the clay upwards. It was also generally easy to open up the clay by pressing down the center of the mug with my thumb. However, as the pot widened, I had to let my hand move up along the interior form of the pot. It was really hard to keep symmetrical sides in same thickness because I had to exert same amount of force on both sides. When the clay is leather hard, I trimmed the bottom to shape the foot. It was difficult because I had to adjust the amount of force. I had to be careful not to set it down too hard and dent the top. On the other hand, adding the handles was easier and fun because I could make any shape of handles. I chose the unifying theme of my set of mugs as curved handles. I put an emphasis on handles because I could create various types of handles. The two mug cups have two different types of curve patterns. The tall mug cup has a handle that is shaped like a 3 and the round cup has a twist in its handle to stress curves.
My knowledge, understanding and ability to apply skills are different now than it was at the beginning of the unit. In the beginning, I was rather scared to challenge myself and was extremely careful in building pots. However, I became bolder, attempting to create new and unique designs. I believe during this unit, I improved the most in terms of bringing the clay upwards. Since my first cup was small and round, I have tried to build thin and tall mugs. Personally I found opening up the clay the most effective technique in building a mug because this is a step where I could adjust the thickness of the walls and the size of the opening. By learning how to construct a mug, I realized how much effort and time it takes to make a single cup.
My knowledge, understanding and ability to apply skills are different now than it was at the beginning of the unit. In the beginning, I was rather scared to challenge myself and was extremely careful in building pots. However, I became bolder, attempting to create new and unique designs. I believe during this unit, I improved the most in terms of bringing the clay upwards. Since my first cup was small and round, I have tried to build thin and tall mugs. Personally I found opening up the clay the most effective technique in building a mug because this is a step where I could adjust the thickness of the walls and the size of the opening. By learning how to construct a mug, I realized how much effort and time it takes to make a single cup.