DIY Network

Ceramic Sectional Vase: Getting Started Creating a large vase in two sections, Part 1 of 4 From "Throwing Clay" episode DTHC-211

Figure A

Pottery is master potter Bill Van Gilder's passion. His functional and decorative work can be found in more than 12 countries worldwide on 6 different continents. This vase is yet another unique style found in his gallery of work.

There are a number of ways to make large vessels; this vase will be made in two pieces, keeping it both large and light in weight. Bill uses this technique to make a number of different forms, including picture frames and storage jars. Making a container in two sections from fairly stiff clay is a relatively simple procedure: it's how the pieces are seamed and when they are put together that is the trick (figure A).

Tools:

clay (7 lbs., 12 oz.)
ruler
wooden rib
serrated rib
trimming tool
scoring tool
wire knife
cut-off wire
wax-resist emulsion
glazes

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Figure B

1. Bill begins by throwing the base from the foot to the shoulder. He'll work on a bat, attached to the wheel head with a pad of clay. Using a clay pad makes for a very strong, secure attachment, which is important when throwing large weights of clay (figure B).

2. He uses stiff clay for the vase; stiff clay is typically used for larger pots because it holds form quite easily. He takes his time centering and shaping the clay before opening the form, keeping the floor just slightly less than 1/4" thick (figure C).

3. Next, he scales up the sides. When working with large shapes, it's important to remember that as you scale up the size of the work, all parts of the form are scaled up, including the floor thickness (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

4. The first few wall pulls are fairly cylindrical. Bill pushes the side of his hand against the base on the outside wall, cupping underneath the wall and pulling it upward; inside the clay, he pushes his fingertips toward the outside hand as he makes several more pulls, bringing the walls up and flattening the rim after each pull (figures E and F).

Figure E

Figure F

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