DIY Network

Sectional Vase: Throwing an Upside-Down Top Creating a large vase in two sections, Part 2 of 4 From "Throwing Clay" episode DTHC-211

Master potter Bill Van Gilder is making a sectional vase; so far, he has thrown the base. When the cylinder was the right height, he added volume and shape. Next, he made two decorative ridges and rounded the rim. He set the base aside to dry leather hard. Now he's ready to throw the top of the vase (figures A and B).

Figure A

Figure B

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The top of the vase begins at the top ridge. It will be made upside down like a shallow bowl with no bottom (figure C) .

1. Bill uses the same clay pad he used earlier to throw the base. Although he kept the pad covered in plastic wrap when it wasn't in use, he dampens it to recreate a tacky surface before securing the bat in place (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

2. The opening of the vase has to be approximately 4" wide, or big enough to fit his hand. Bill opens the clay all the way down to the bat.

3. He pulls the walls up and outward very slowly; at the same time, his hands are pushing down on the rim (figure E) .

4. The rim of the neckpiece is curved. One of the neck curves is shallow; the other is domed. When they are seated on top of each other and their edges are pinched together, the two pieces will combine securely.

Figure F

5. The neck needs to be 7-1/2" wide to match the base. Like the base, the neck isn't wired off the bat but is briefly set aside still on the bat.

6. Bill recenters the bat that has the base still attached; after checking the clay rim for round, he moistens the rim, making sure the clay is soft.

7. Next, with the neck still on the bat, he inverts the bat and sets the neck on the base. He centers the neck on the base; where the pieces are touching, they create a sticky joint. The air inside creates an airlock, which prevents the pieces from collapsing (figure F) .

8. Using the tip of a wooden rib and working strictly by touch, he cuts a groove where the bat meets the clay (figure G) .

9. Next, he pulls the cut-off wire through the groove and removes the bat, revealing the neck of the base (figure H) .

Figure G

Figure H

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