DIY Network

Throwing the Small Bowls Bill Van Gilder throws two small bowls that will be joined to make a double server. From "Throwing Clay" episode DTHC-202

This double-bowl server is as much fun to throw as it is to use. Master potter Bill Van Gilder makes this practical piece in two sizes and attaches reed and bamboo handles. The project is a great example of how to take a simple bowl shape, combine it with a second bowl and turn it into a sophisticated serving piece.

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Figure A

Tools (figure A):

three clay balls: two of equal weight (here, 12 oz.), one 1-lb. lump
undercutting rib
wire knife
pointer
cut-off wire
foam pad
1" dowel
texture boards
bamboo handle
basket reed

1. The bowls can be any size as long as the weights of the bowl pairs stay the same. Bill first makes the two smaller bowls as practice for making the larger bowls. He centers and opens the first 12-ounce lump of clay on the wheel, using lots of water to prevent his fingers from dragging on the clay and possibly pulling the bowl off-center (figure B).

2. Before putting in the final bowl curves, Bill trims the bowl. Normally it would be trimmed later, but since it will be attached, this won't be possible: because they are attached, they can't be centered on the wheel (figure C).

Figure B

Figure C

3. Bill uses a wooden undercutting knife to skim down the side of the bowl and create a tight corner at the foot. To shape the bowl, he pushes the clay against the long side of the tool (figure D).

4. He removes the water from the inside and smoothes the rim with the tip of a sponge before using his fingertip to put a small swirl in the center of the base of the bowl. He starts about 1-inch out of center and wipes his finger to center and across the inside base of the bowl (figure E).

Figure D

Figure E

5. To make the second bowl the same dimensions as the first, Bill sets up a pointer before removing the first bowl from the wheel (figure F). When it's complete, he lifts the second bowl and sets it up against the first. He wets one side of one bowl, making the clay sticky, before lifting the bowl at the base and pressing it against the other, using a very light touch. To prevent distortion at the foot, his fingertips are barely holding on to the bowl (figure G).

Figure F

Figure G

6. With wet fingertips he presses the top edges of the bowl together on a ware board (figure H).

7. As a last step he looks down on the bowls, making sure both have similar curves and shape (figure I).

Figure H

Figure I

RESOURCES :

Kilns
L & L Kilns
Website: www.hotkilns.com

Clay
Highwater Clays
Website: www.highwaterclays.com

Extruders
American Art Clay Co. Inc. (AMACO)
Website: www.amaco.com