Bowl Demonstration #1 -- using two pounds of clay

[@lucerozamudiofernandez3610]

I can not express well enough how much I enjoyed watching your demo. It’s very souding and peaceful. Thx!

[@AlpacaRenee]

Excellent instructor. Thanks for sharing your knowledge so clearly. Your descriptions of what your hands are doing are very understandable. Very useful for this very novice potter. Thank you so much.

[@marcmancuso]

I'm glad you got useful information out of it! Keep that wheel spinning and good luck! Let me know if you have any new questions.

[@HelenLongoable]

Perfect speed and commentary. Thank you.

[@marcmancuso]

You're quite welcome. Ask me anything, anytime. Good luck!

[@rosekourie1532]

Most useful, best method and explanation I've seen so far. I can't wait to try it out. Thank you.

[@marcmancuso]

You are very, very welcome! I'm grateful you wrote. Good luck. Send questions if you'd like.

[@sofalgari_fereshteh]

It turned out very beautiful, and the tutorial was excellent. Thank you!❤❤❤

[@GeorgiaBrowne4]

This is such a great video from someone who has a calm manner and makes it look easy. I have used his suggestions in making a bowl and the instructions are 'right-on'.

[@marcmancuso]

I'm so glad you like it! Thanks!

[@eschang6678]

Very thorough and detail explanations! Excellent tutorial. Thank you for making the video.

[@marcmancuso]

You're very welcome! I love doing it....

[@PiedPiperfly]

One of the best throwing videos out there (and I've watched a lot!). I'm self taught and it took me a long time to pick up the techniques you manage to mention in one video. Wish I'd seen this earlier! Thanks

[@marcmancuso]

Thanks so much for writing this! It feels I could make one every day, except I have the attention span of a goldfish! Glad it helped!

[@fainitesbarley2245]

Being able to teach is a gift.

[@andiarrohnds5163]

this dude sounds hella annoying though... like some kind of ultra liberal who is very much politically active

[@marcmancuso]

@@andiarrohnds5163 You might be wrong about me, my friend! Let me know if you have any questions about ceramics.

[@andiarrohnds5163]

@@marcmancuso perhaps.... perhaps

[@cindybracey4826]

Best Video I have seen, I made the bowl 1st time!

[@marcmancuso]

I'm sure it is an excellent bowl! now go and make many more!

[@agnetajirevall3942]

OH! You make it look so easy.Practise,practise,practise.I have my own pottery wheel now,it is so much fun.Thanky for a very good lesson

[@marcmancuso]

thank you! practice is important, you're right! All your teachers will use different words to describe what they feel, and what you are looking to feel yourself. Last year I tried this overall advice: The only thing that can give you enough stability to throw is the GROUND. Make sure there's some way you're relying on the ground. Feet, legs, torso, arms, hands, clay. After that stability, comes the balance that comes from practice, not to overreact. A few clay problems might appear, which your teachers will make sure get fixed. Chair is important, but not more than you are. Good luck!!

[@triciac1019]

Something also to remember is keep your arms anchored either on your thighs and as you are pulling up, snug against your body and always lean over. He anchors his hands together also to keep stability. Such a good video.

[@marcmancuso]

I liked making the video! Anchoring the hands is so important... thank you for commenting.

[@carahoglund5266]

So clear and concise! Will be very help once i get back to throwing. I wish my original Ceramics teacher had been this clear.

[@marcmancuso]

Glad it was helpful! If you have questions about things, please just drop me a line. Good luck!

[@MayaTheDragonBorn]

Thank you so much!! My professor taught it to be so much more difficult than how you teach it. You helped me so much to throw better bowls and I appreciate you!! Thanks!!

[@da_designabode4175]

I made my first one bowl..using the steel rib at the end and cut a little two times..so two marks are there in the bowl. I almost did it 1 month back. This video is so nice..perfect for learning again for me. Thankyou for the detailed explanation.

[@j2hooper]

Wow I learned so much from watching this as a newbie! Thanks!

[@TristanJ-IMadeThis]

Thanks Marc! You're awesome. My friends are going to get so many bowls.

[@marcmancuso]

Awesome news! Thanks for writing. Keep going keep going. Your friends will be lucky with your bowls. Remember that everyone will want to stack things into one another. And also, remember how deep cabinets tend to be.

[@adeolaobagun1602]

Thank you so much for this beautiful explanation. You are really good. God bless you

[@marcmancuso]

You are very welcome!

[@lilig6422]

Great instruction, thank you

[@marcmancuso]

My pleasure! let me know how it works for you.

[@lilig6422]

@@marcmancuso I had 2 successful throws, and one that ended up being a bowl with a spout because it was lopsided lol. I'm watching this video again to catch anything I might have not picked up. Thanks again!

[@cocoblanco5824]

thank you so much. a lot more clearer than my teacher..

[@bonitatong1238]

Thank you for the details share, thank you.

[@bschuber]

Great video, thank you!🙏🏻

[@marcmancuso]

My pleasure!

[@wgw6602]

Doing the first wall heightenings with the palm of the hand solves so many problems for me - I was constantly making the wall uneven with my 1st couple of pulls using fingertips. Thanks for the video!

[@bandwilkalviwilk8437]

Great explanation

[@marcmancuso]

I'm so glad you like it! Thanks, and good luck!

[@chelindarivas174]

That was amazingly satisfying to watch! It looked so easy and your clay was like the most perfect centered clay I've ever seen. . . anyhow, back to my novice struggles! Sigh. .. Practice makes proficient, but I just want a beautiful bow NOW!!!!

[@jtcpottery]

You are the "Mr. Rogers" of Pottery! Great lesson!

[@lizziecutts4042]

Thank you for the fantastic video! 😊

[@marcmancuso]

So glad you liked it, AND commented! Thanks, and good luck making bowls.

[@sabineseifert7130]

Really a very good and informative video! Thanks for your great explanations of every little step. So helpful!

[@marcmancuso]

Thank you for writing! I'm so glad you learned from it.

[@jademckay-robinson8447]

You explain everything very well 👌🏽 thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙏🏽✨

[@marcmancuso]

Thanks so much for saying so! I hope it helped!

[@TristanJ-IMadeThis]

Thanks Marc. Can't wait to make a bowl.

[@marcmancuso]

Great! You'll do FINE.

[@lizzeldizzel]

You explain things so clearly!

[@greeneyzblu]

I've been taking a throwing class for a few months and have watched tons of videos. This is by far the best! The audio and video are great and the explanation very articulate and useful.

[@marcmancuso]

Thank you very, very much. I like making them and have many more on my list! Hope it helps!

[@neha7690]

I love ceramics and pottery. I want to take a class someday

[@raquelasandino5825]

Just do it. You won’t regret it!

[@erinwithryder]

Thank you for making this video, Marc. Your instruction is so clear compared to other potters'!

[@marcmancuso]

Thanks for saying so! I work at it very hard. :)

Really helpful video! I will try this technique today 😊

[@bealscradle]

You remind me of Bob Ross ☺️ thanks for the tips! Super helpful

[@natlanier8376]

Thank you. Really great instruction.

[@marcmancuso]

You're very welcome! Hope it helps!

[@alinacampos-vega2368]

VERY VERY VERY helpful....Thank you so much!!!!

[@alicexhinatarme]

This is really helpful to me because my ceramics teacher just kept telling me that I move my hands too much. So thank you for explaining things so well

[@marcmancuso]

I glad you like it! I do think people's hands move too much, though, but I add some tips, too!

[@alkismplatsoukas6006]

Outstanding!

[@marcmancuso]

Thanks so much!!

[@sammyspaniel6054]

Great tutorial.

[@WayneStcroix]

Nicely done 👍 I did pottery in high School in art class and l love working wit clay

[@marcmancuso]

Thanks! Clay is a great material!

[@izabelamezcua3347]

That is a beautiful bowl my guy

[@marcmancuso]

thanks! I'm not sure where it is now, but I do remember eating some lovely curry from it. Probably.

[@markcumbriauk]

Brilliant.

[@barbaraconway305]

Excellent

[@clayplaystudio5310]

Your instruction is one of the best out there! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@tmiller7011]

Marc I used one of the tips in the video yesterday. The thumb in the hole and not resting my hands on the side. So helpful. I'm still practicing on getting the walls higher...so I'll keep watching your videos! Thank you

[@thismountain928]

Awesome video--love the detail in your explanations. Thanks!

[@marcmancuso]

thismountain928 Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

[@joycee5493]

Great tutorial!

[@canadaverydry]

Thank you!! Can't wait to begin my first one! But first I have to get... a potter wheel!

[@MeTheUglyDuck]

Thank you for sharing this video! This was very helpful! :)

[@marcmancuso]

Very glad you liked it! Happy clayworking!!

[@debraheimbuch7943]

Very good video!! Helps Mee!!❤️❤️

[@lacydrane2633]

peanut butter

[@potterylady44]

lacy looks like it lololol

[@hemorrhoidsasuke2030]

Thx for the idea.

[@thedoctorofallmen]

forbidden peanut butter

[@akashabeeler4244]

extra creamy

[@janouwerling3225]

You have to start someware.

[@NiraRuth37]

Thank you for the video . Could you please show how you move the bowl to a wooden surface ? I wracked my bowl when trying to take it of the wheel.

[@marcmancuso]

I know the feeling! I'll try to make a video of that. But until then, try reading this for tips: First option: Do you have some metal tools called "pot lifters"? They're good for most pieces where the base still on the wheel is less than 8 inches. You always pass the wire, then slightly insert the metal tools under the piece where the wire passed. Hold both while turning and lifting up. Usually works! Second option: If you don't have the tools, many people use a thin pool of water to slide the piece sideways off the wheel onto a board held level with the wheelhead. But, I find that beginners have difficulty with this. Good luck! Does that help? www.amazon.com/Kemper-Tools-Lifter-inch-wide/dp/B00A6W457Q/ref=asc_df_B00A6W457Q/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242033841575&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15992262726091013936&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1018405&hvtargid=pla-458773080953&psc=1

[@ibarretaibarreta]

claro y preciso, muchas gracias

[@kathyvangogh4034]

Good teacher!

[@katnip6289]

Great instructions!

[@marcmancuso]

Thank you!!

[@JulieHiltbrunner]

Thanks for this helpful tutorial!

[@narunaceramic6396]

very satisfying to watch this video 😳😳😳

[@simonparker4992]

Thanks. Great video.

[@marcmancuso]

Glad you like it!

[@_-_chris-_-]

Thank's a million for this extraordinary video. Perfectly explained in a clear accent, especially for non native speaker like me. Now I know, that one of my problems as a beginner is caused by the lack of enough water.

[@arock7462]

Too much water can cause problems toooooo

[@vulcanswork]

Thank you!

[@Alexander-rq9he]

I wish I could take his classes..

[@maragf5849]

Excellent video, very well explained. It is a pity that It was not in Spanish, because I have not found one in my language that is so complete, thank you for sharing such good advices. It would be nice if you add the possibility to select different languages ​​in the options menu of the video. Thanks again

[@fab423]

Excellent!

[@bittenandreasen5426]

Throwing is the perfect marriage of two hands ;)

[@marcmancuso]

Yes, it is!

[@annemareegrace7808]

GreAt explaining

[@lindaleary9913]

The walls of my bowl are always too thick. I don't know how much pressure to apply when pulling up the walls

[@lindaleary9913]

My walls always turn out lopsided. What to do?

[@lynelabrecque100]

Really useful !

[@marcmancuso]

Thanks so much! I like making them, and am glad it helped!

[@olgabeatrizbustamante7443]

CASTILLA!!!!

[@marcmancuso]

¡Gracias! Disculpe, pero mi español es demasiado básico para entenderlo completamente.😁

[@robinw1312]

this is dope

[@marcmancuso]

Thank You! i'm lazy about making more of them....

[@kaliashamir]

🏵️

[@samanthasobolewski9964]

Hi Marc, I find I’m struggling most with evening out the “shelf” in my bowls, and often when I try to, I end up ruining it. Do you have any pointers for that?

[@marcmancuso]

yes and thank you! This answer has tips on how to fix a particular bowl that has a shelf. (A longer answer discusses how it happens and how to get out of that habit.) Think of the entire pot as a stack of five or more hula hoops on top of a hocky puck. The shelf is a really fat hula hoop. Just above it, is a thinner hula hoop almost slipping off the outside. Here's how we fix that particular bowl.

[@marcmancuso]

The idea is to support the outside to keep it from even further collapse, while we work from the inside to continue thinning only the thick part. My hula hoop idea is to get you to work only at the level of the ledge and not move up "to the next hula hoop." Support the clay on the outside and lay fingers on the lowest part of the offending hula hoop. Try to make it just a little thinner, but not as much as half. Holding onto the outside of the pot makes the clay shift upwards and thinner, not outwards and thinner. At any time, use a rib to tuck the s-shaped wall into something straighter. Try that and see how it goes.

[@samanthasobolewski9964]

Thank you so much for this tip. I have continued to experience problems here and there, but after reading this, I’m excited to get back into the studio to give this approach a go. Appreciate the feedback!

[@shabnamkhaja5639]

I learned a lot from your technique, would you please post the dimensions of this bowl when just thrown? Thank you

[@marcmancuso]

Shabnam Khaja Thanks for the comment. The finished bowl is about 4-5 inches high by 6-7 inches across. I might be wrong, since I didn't measure it.

[@marcmancuso]

Sorry, I don't remember the dimensions. It might be 8-9 inches across the rim.

[@anjlala]

awesome!!!

[@marcmancuso]

anjlala Thank you!

[@ireneafalla5740]

Thank u sir..for teaching your knowledge...anyway what kind of clay did you used?

[@screamingeorge1]

Looks like caramel...... spinning round nom nom nom yummy

[@-succulentplant-joan]

👐👍😁

[@chrismccuan5027]

Thank you so much! What clay are you using?

[@marcmancuso]

This clay is a general stoneware clay. I think it has a little grog in it (the sandy particle). These tips would work for any claybody.

[@heatherswing]

thank you so much for this video it's best one ever

[@marcmancuso]

I'm so glad you like it! And thanks for writing it down, too! Good luck throwing bowls.....

[@aliswadi4066]

Hello this is only Clay or Clay with a few sand

[@callumsinclair5940]

Bowl made of clay

[@marcmancuso]

Yes, yes it is! I think I made it blue in color.

[@deemdoubleu]

Hi, great tutorial - does the type of clay help or hinder throwing like this? My wife uses grey school buff clay (not sure if you call it this where you are).

[@marcmancuso]

Many clays are subtly different, but the major differences are usually dependent on whether there's grog in the clay (a sand-like particle, varying sizes), and whether there is a great fraction of very fine particles (like in a porcelain or similar). The buff where I am contains grog, and is good for students who move very abruptly because it put up more resistance. The techniques I"m showing here will probably help anyone (hahahaha) regardless of claybody. At least I hope!

[@deemdoubleu]

Marc Mancuso Thanks that's helpful.

[@Annabella7Hu]

How much pressure are you applying?

[@marcmancuso]

Hello! The centering pressures are the strongest, since your hands have to work on a solid amount of clay. If you can imagine using your palms to pick up a gallon jug of milk or water from low grip on the sides, this is similar to the centering pressures. The wall raising and shaping pressures use much less pressure than that. if you've closed a ziploc or resealable bag with two fingers, you've used about as much pressure as you need for the early wall raising moves on the clay. The last shaping pressures on the thin walls are the lightest pressures. This might be like pressing a self-adhesive sticker or mailing label a bit harder onto its edges, when you have to make sure it's stuck. Hope these real-world examples help!

[@user-qw7xy3pj3p]

6:30 Your bottom shows a certain kind of crack.

[@AffordBindEquipment]

I am in the process of building a potter's wheel and I need to know the height of the turning surface to the floor. I don't know if there is a standard or it's specific to the potter. From what I have seen, it's about sitting mid crotch height, lower than the knees. Thanks for any help you can provide.

[@harukoharuhara18]

Why do you keep adding water? It’s too wet.

[@marcmancuso]

Thank you for watching the video! I do like to be careful with water. Can you suggest which stage in the video I can improve? The filming and talking was much longer than making a real pot would be, so maybe that's why? I'd love to watch a video you've made so I can learn.

[@shoukathaliali5305]

Sir i want to know its mixing pls help me

[@relmilioortiz5646]

Looked like peanut butter for a second 🤣

[@marcmancuso]

I know, I know! But that's one material I've never tried to use on the wheel. Maybe I should!

[@kittykitkat4968]

We'll explained

[@marcmancuso]

Thanks!!

[@lilianasaldana4963]

Hola Liliana

[@madelinetoro5090]

Any idea how to change rotation on a wheel? Im left handed.

[@marcmancuso]

Usually the wheels have two switches, one for power (on/off) and one for direction. Hopefully you have one that changes to the direction you'd prefer. But if your wheel doesn't reverse, don't be too bothered: I have hundreds of students who fine with counterclockwise, regardless of handedness. If your left hand is stronger, and the wheel is moving counterclockwise, it's very likely to end up on the inside of the growing form. Maybe you'll get bowls more easily than cylinders!

[@ellane-d9w]

It's a squeeze not a pinch

[@olgabeatrizbustamante7443]

Oo O CALLADO

[@matthewfarmer6830]

All man you should of finished the video, in the end the video just stop, you could of see how it comes out and you remove it off the wheel.

[@harukosmith5518]

a

[@That1Guy741]

How can you have two pounds of me?

[@structlightning]

99% talk 1% throwing

[@structlightning]

Penny Ritzman when was i complaining?