Is This The Worst Clay I've Ever Thrown With?

I hope you're ready to witness what might be my worst throwing ever, with anew, unruly clay, that felt almost unworkable at times. There's a deeply embarrassing moment included in this video, but I'm sure it's something we can all relate to and I do eventually throw and trim a porcelain jar that I was happy with, despite the journey being an unpleasant one.
⭕️ • My centring clay guide: • How to Center Clay - A...
🗡• Jaejun Lee's Instagram: / jaejunlee_ceramics
⚙️ • Spinner tool, made by Richard Carter, (you need to DM him on Instagram to purchase one): / richardcarter6952
📖 • PRE-ORDER MY BOOK: ow.ly/9wYn50MQXV5
📢 • Find out much more about my work here: linktr.ee/floriangadsby
🏺 • If you want to learn how to throw a pot, you might like my 'A Beginner's Guide' series: • How to Throw a Pot - A...
⏱ • Timecodes:
0:00 - Introduction
0:20 - New Porcelain
2:05 - Throwing the jar body and lid
5:20 - Setting my callipers
6:35 - FAILURE MONTAGE
7:19 - Trimming the thrown components
13:30 - Trimming the base
14:04 - The finished, angular jar
*It's worth noting! That you won't get the same results as I do if you're firing in oxidation. The reduction firing really helps with this process.
*I throw using both a Rohde HMT 500 & 600 potter's wheel and fire using Rohde kilns too, the electric is a TE-200 and the gas kiln is a KG-340.
____
Instagram - / floriangadsby
TikTok - / floriangadsby
Website - www.floriangadsby.com

[@floriangadsby]

Doubling down on the clickbait titles.

[@4nyNoob]

seeing the way that you crushed that vase I assure you that despite the clickbait title it's well deserved

[@Firefoxav26]

Let them eat clicks

[@jaimwah]

Too right, cut your own path Florian. Do your thing. It made me laugh.

[@angrypersimmonss653]

Don’t it’s nice to see. It’s so out of character and adds a bit of humor to your content.

[@misterscottintheway]

I would suggest that it is only clickbait if the video doesn't deliver. A slightly provocative question might result in more clicks but it isn't truly clickbait. Veritaseum has a good video about clickbait and the algorithm if you haven't seen it. The pot looks great BTW 😅

[@AtomicShrimp]

Some days, you're testing the clay; other days, the clay is testing you. I enjoyed this - showing failures doesn't make you weaker.

[@theninjascientist689]

I think this is a good perspective for your most recent budget good challenge, shrimp. As frustrated as you seemed to be with the result we all still very much enjoyed watching it.

[@adjgr]

I appreciate you for sharing your frustration. I had such a day today, and I comfort myself seeing someone much more experienced than me crumple up that piece of shit clay in a fit of rage. It does seem truly pointless to get angry, and yet I do.

[@mw8392]

As a person with perfectionism and art anxiety, it's comforting to see even truly masterful artists have rough days. ❤

[@sninjam]

As a new potter, this is definitely something I can relate to very often - especially when I’m surrounded by such talented artists at the shared studio space. Seeing the vulnerability and variables that come into play even with advanced potters such as yourself definitely helps me to not feel like a failure, and it’s a reminder that clay can be a little humbling shit disturber 😂

[@jimjimgl3]

Almost exclusively use porcelain. I've liked Nara Porcelain (Aardvark) and Standard Ceramic's 257 porcelain...both cone 10. Just yesterday I threw with some stoneware which I almost never use and my brain wanted to slap me since it didn't really understand what my hands were telling it!

[@UCVWnuJnz0LguhAS_MYI3few]

am i wrong/inexperienced in saying that even for porcelain, this clay body in the video looked almost... marshmallow-ey? i tend to work with stoneware (i even prefer a sandy stoneware meant to hold up to intense raku processes) so i don't even know where to start imagining how this clay would feel and act based on my own knowledge. it seems so plush! i'm curious to know if my eyes are deceiving me or if it actually does feel like --and i had to look this up to make sure i remembered the name correctly-- Crayola Model Magic, the kid's air dry clay that hardens into a foamy bouncy material. is that an apt-ish comparison?

[@kkirsch3583]

Left hemisphere says “I don’t know how to work with this!” Right hemisphere says “but then I can’t play with it!” They agree to turf the problem to the Limbic System, which then says “There! Solved!!”😂

[@itsandrewalexander]

the rage crumple was absolutely hilarious. sometimes you just have to break something apart to feel better. keep up the amazing work!

[@ry12095]

I'm extraordinarily grateful that you showed that moment of frustration. Even though you didn't feel great about that reaction, it is helpful to see that talented experience potters like yourself have hard days learning new/difficult to work with materials. Thank you so much for sharing this, and the steps you take to ground yourself afterwards!

[@SeithonJetter]

I think, in this age of constant perfect posts everywhere, its important to show failures and frustration so that those who are learning don't feel like failures in the face of the constant barrage of perfection they are shown.

[@xfortunesquex]

The results are beautiful! I really like the idea of keeping it matte white to show off the crisp lines

[@SullivanOwen]

I make my own porcelain slip, I can't imagine trying to throw with it. I made my slip recipe to be specifically very malleable out of the mold because I do a lot of pulling/stretching after the piece is out. I think Glacier uses Veegum which is why it's sticky and hard to throw with and retains so much moisture. I also love the unfinished outside with glazed interiors. I found I had to make my own glaze formula to get the right fit since I cast really thin walls and was getting a lot of cracks, and I have to glaze the interiors really thinly. I've been sanding and using a clear natural wax for the exteriors, it's a beautiful finish you just want to touch. I make vases exclusively and unfortunately the wax is not resistant enough to pollen or other stains from the plant material so I'm still trying to make an invisible clear exterior glaze that gives the same kind of feel. Did you fire the glacier yet? The shrink rates are so high as well, again the veegum contributes to this. Sorry you had a tough day but it's nice to see it, since it happens to all of us!

[@sweetieVirus]

Though you said you aren't proud of how you reacted to the porcelain, thank you for sharing this. As a beginner to ceramics its a relief to see even the most experienced potters have their off days, or may struggle with a new medium. Some days it just feels like I can't do anything right, while the next goes almost perfectly. The bad days I just consider my "warm up day".

[@dandy4716]

I’ve only been throwing for a few days now on my first wheel and there is nothing more I love than learning about the process. Even failure feels fun for me at this point, I’m so excited.

[@Lucifersfursona]

I like that the clay label displays its psychological difficulty Edit getting those artisan tools for our community art space is my current daydream 🥰

[@Alex_0Z]

lol dirty porcelain when ever i get angry when throwing i like to pound out some slabs and work on sculptural projects for a bit. nothing makes me feel better than slamming a giant rolling pin down on a block of clay

[@amandabryan9386]

Thank you for letting us see the wonderfully imperfect and human side of wheel throwing! I’m far less experienced that you so I think I have days like that every week! 😅

[@SodiumCl431]

I can definitely relate to you at 6:58. Great job working through the frustration though!

[@eliasv.2910]

The anger is wonderful to see - love your work!

[@christianmunoz4859]

I love how his bad throwing sessions are my extremely good ones

[@bobcalhoun3714]

Sorry that you had a bad throwing day with difficult clay. I'm glad you made the video, though, because it is important to know that sometimes it is the clay body that can be difficult and it's your skill that allows you to work through it even if it causes frustration. In our classroom we don't follow a consistent way of recycling clay and sometimes it is too wet, sometimes too dry, not wedged well or just doesn't have the right plasticity. It can be difficult to navigate around these variations.

[@candystamping4552]

Thanks Florian! I enjoyed this video. I’ve never seen you fly into a rage of frustration before, but no need to be embarrassed about how you reacted…remember, it’s just clay! You are tenacious…I think soon enough you will show this clay who’s boss 😊 Keep at it 👍😉

[@lesliew3343]

Thanks, Florian! Seeing that you can have a bad throwing day, or a particular clay that doesn't work for you was so helpful. I've had days like that and it's a comfort to know that even professionals can be frustrated by these things. Love your channel. I enjoy watching and learning from you.

[@Sleepless_Chaos]

I appreciate the video nonetheless, and I also appreciate the insight and reflection you had on your own self while doing the commentary. Presenting the video with saying "I am unhappy with my behavior, but I'm sure a lot of people have had this same experience at some point in their lives" does an amazing job of not blindly and subliminally pushing outrage culture. It shows a self-awareness and maturity to your character. Another thought: I wonder what would happen to the clay if you put it through a round of recycling. Would it improve the texture? Would it be impossible to use? It would certainly inform my decision on a clay if recycling it improves/worsens the performance of it. I, personally, would like to waste as little as possible when working with any artistic or craft material, including clay. I'm curious to see if it would change with recycling or possibly aging after recycling.

[@rubiodesign.online]

I've started taking classes a few months ago, thanks in part to your videos! It's very helpful to see both your success and failure stories, I think it helps us to understand it as part of the process. Thank you!

[@Enn-]

Thanks for keeping it real. Just the other day I was chatting with someone that commented on how they doubted pottery was like what she sees on Instagram. Videos like this are a reminder that even a skilled professional will struggle, and that there's value in the work we do.

[@Aya-ev2uw]

I really appreciate you showing a genuine reaction to the frustrating side of art creation.

[@RoosKohn]

I bet the frustration was also invigorating. Like starting over again in a new learning process. I got the impression the outward centrifugal force had more effect on this clay and wondered if thrown at a slower speed it might cause less chaos (if that is the right word). I love the result and think a green celadon could conserve the translucency. Anyway good to see you are human after all 😂 Thanks ❤🌹

[@kkirsch3583]

Thank you for sharing the trials and tribulations that visit you, Florian. I see so much growth just from your first piece to the last! I enjoy vicariously the way you take the time you need to tune things in - I almost feel the learning myself. You encourage me to keep going; the struggle with the new is not in vain!👏👏👏👍 you will never need clickbait titles - you are so far beyond that😊

[@MammaRoub]

Love to see the human side of you. Thank you for sharing. Beautiful results despite of the struggle during throwing. Can’t wait to see what you do with the glazing.

[@denisenoble4010]

As a relative newby to clay, I've watched all your videos which i find spell binding, your commentary explaining your every move just gently glide together.... bump. I could almost feel your pain as your every perfected move the clay fought back and your blip of imperfection was quickly executed and forgotten, as if we had dreamed it, you squashed the pot and put it out of its misery. Thank goodness trimming enabled you to regain your hand at and become the master of your wheel again. Thankyou for sharing this new experience, which I'm sure you have mastered the clay now, but to see and hear your struggle makes me want to try harder and keep practicing. so thankyou. you keep potting and i will keep watching and learning x

[@care-o-sene]

i appreciate that instead of focusing solely on being negative about your material, you decide to focus on things you appreciate about the craft, like the quality of tools made by your peers

[@jbowen8502]

I enjoy watching the ease you have in making beautiful pots. I’m sorry for the frustration you felt but am thankful you shared it. Gives hope to novice potters like myself- I’m not alone and even the best potters experience frustrations. The vessel turned out beautifully.

[@tiffanynguyen6013]

AHHH the frustration is a shared experience amongst all potters 😂😂😂 I’m glad that’s a feeling that never leaves us :’)

[@tombraun7235]

It’s fascinating how good you’re at throwing. Even if it’s tantrums 😉 Thanks for sharing that scene. Makes you appear a lot more human.

[@1337dude]

It's really good to be able to relate to someone else's frustration and anger. I thought I had bad problems and felt like I was out of control. But I would have reacted the same way after buying a few bags of something like this, getting frustrated with it.... Honestly I'm really glad that I got to see this moment it makes me feel much more human. Thank you. Even masters get frustrated, but they do have patience.

[@caz1402]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. As an experienced (but hobby) potter I have days where I swear I have never seen a wheel in my life. It's comforting to know it happens to everyone. In my case I quickly realise that I am wasting my time and clay, so I go do something else. Not so easy for you to do. I also now use a clay with a bit of grog, which has reduced my failure rate.

[@done.apodaca6049]

This reminds me of of turning soft plastics in a CNC lathe. When working with such a soft material it can be very difficult to maintain consistence in parts, especially if you're used to working with harder materials such as stainless steel or cast iron.

[@markusjentesart]

I have had my frustrations with porcelain too. It is delicate, as it should be. No impurities and the like, to keep its structure intact. However, it is marvelous to get right. I literally had seperate areas for porcelain as it picks up just about any traces of other clays from all surfaces in the studio. Keep up the nice work!

[@keenanflagg6942]

This whole video resonantes deeply with me. Just last week I found myself fighting with some new porcelain. Felt like I’d never touched clay before 😅

[@jasonharrison2434]

Wow I saw your channel recommended on an Atomic Shrimp video and this is the first of your videos i've seen, so so good!

[@rustyshackleford3278]

I hope you are well Sir Gadsby, I am terribly sorry for the experience you had with this clay body. I exclusively use earthenware clay bodies which I harvest and levigate myself, each source has its own properties - some endearing and some awful - we humbly appreciate you sharing these tribulations with us. You are not alone, instead you are appreciated and revered

[@peggydrawspictures]

So glad you made this video. So, so relatable! 😅

[@donm6578]

When I was in ceramics class we had Glacia as a "cheap" porcelain. It fired to a grayish white and was more prone to S-cracking than other clays we could get. It was a good experience, I had a hard time with it bud I did like hoe glazes turned out over Glacia

[@vzeimen]

I have been using Babu Porcelain as of late and have been loving the look of a glazed interior and naked exterior. I've also been practicing some relief carving as well. Love watching you trim your pots to perfection.

[@katlehmann5131]

you are awesome ❣️ thank you for sharing your frustration… so real to have a bad day…. and you still are able to teach ‼️

[@Jacob_graber]

Well, I have to say it's extremely refreshing to see you unashamedly admit that even the masters have bad days or trouble with unfamiliar materials. I've been throwing mostly stoneware (Laguna Buff, B-3, NMC White) casually for about a year now, but my local studio recently started stocking Pecos porcelain. The texture is heavenly, like cream cheese, and it fires to a bone white. But by god it is hard to throw, period. My success rate is less than 25%. The walls ripple and you get huge dimensional changes from sagging and stretching, exactly like you're showing. I would do more carving but going once a week for 6 hours makes drying consistently a real challenge. I'm just glad I'm not alone!

[@MASI_forging]

Beautiful design. Master craftsman at work😀😀

[@KSMephisto]

It's interesting that you say only glazing one side an item causes problems because that's how SO MUCH medieval pottery is, only the inside glazed. But in the vein of the beautiful white, a salt glaze- with a satin finish would be lovely. I have a reproduction medieval cup with a pale mustard yellow salt glaze on only the inside that is lovely. Although, that's on a more substantial white stoneware.

[@streetographer]

It's fun to see that your porcelain pots look like my normal clay pots. 😅 But seriously, thanks for sharing your struggles with us.

[@phoenixrises5545]

Thank you for sharing your experience with this piece. I jokingly tell friends there are 782 points of failure when throwing. LOL. I thoroughly appreciate your explanation of your struggles. I feel as if I learn just as much if not more with this type of tutorial vs a successful tutorial session. You make beautiful pots and the content you provide in your videos are very well explained. Thank you!

[@petsila]

This is very relatable, thank you for sharing this. I guess the ice mountain climber on the clay bag was a hint 😂

[@IsinMoon]

I know it’s not fun to experience failure (if you can call it that - you still produced beautiful forms!), but as an amateur potter it makes me feel REALLY comforted to know that even professionals potters occasionally experience failure and frustration!

[@foxface6719]

My favourite videos from experts in their field are ones where we get to see their continued progress.

[@victoriamiskolczy6336]

I also really appreciate you showing the struggles with porcelain. As a novice I have used a 50/50 in of porcelain and white stoneware, when my usual white stoneware was not available. While my first attempts were unsatisfactory, I agree with you that the trimming stage of the finer textured clay was delightful. Your covered jar is beautiful and I only wish I could get the walls of my vessels as transparent! Did you have trouble with glaze crawling on the porcelain?

[@lilpixie25]

I like how it turned out and it is a shame that it gave you so much trouble. I think you should go with your instinct to glaze the inside and see how it turns out since the outside looks so beautiful white and matte.

[@Zeldur]

Thank you for still posting this and saying your method on overcoming being angry in a productive way. I have overcome most of my anger issues, but they still pop up every now and then. However, I'm still trying to figure out how to overcome it quickly. I may try the "Go back to your comfort, easy projects that have a fast accomplishment" method... And try to find some projects that can be done in a few hours/ 1 day versus most of my projects that are weeks or months long. For how to glaze it, why not a method that you rarely use or a chaotic version? Such as only glaze the top half but do it thick enough to where it drips down. To prevent your nice gas kiln from being damaged, maybe show what happens if you use your nice green glazes in the electric kiln?

[@micah06v8]

I'm sorry you had such a frustrating day! There's no need to be embarrassed! All of us have days where we can't hold it together and we just lose it in a fit of rage. Perfectly acceptable as long as you don't take the fit of rage out on someone else😉 I think your propensity to want really sharp edges and very thin walls would make working with porcelain exceedingly frustrating! 😢You did exactly the right thing. Just walk away and find something else to do to calm your mind!

[@Meemoe_]

as a digital 3d modeler, i think im going to steal a few tricks to make my models feel more "real"and control its visual weight from this video Thank you!

[@abbyetherton27]

thank you so much for this video! I've been really struggling with throwing lately - everyone seems to be able to use the high fire stoneware in my class, but I've been feeling like it just won't soften up. I just add water and it gets all slippy and doesn't want to be opened. Then it flops and I rip it off :/ I really like watching your process as a way of "practicing" when I'm not at school.

[@covenscribe]

Honestly with seeing how frustrating throwing the clay was Im surprised you didn't pick it up and throw it in the bin

[@diegovillalobos5364]

Great job given the difficulty

[@katlehmann5131]

as always thank you for sharing ❣️😸

[@samueldowling1866]

Enjoyed this video 😂

[@emiliamalgorzatanowogrodzk5137]

I recommend using to use slip that collects in your water bowl rather than water to moisten the clay while throwing, it makes the porcelain less wet and easier to manage the consistency. I find adding the pure water straight up dissolves too much of the porcelain. The slip makes it glide easier. Hope that helps

[@Repulseer]

He's human afterall!!! Jokes aside, yes, days like these scattered among the rest. Even highly skilled potters have bad days when common sense flies out the window. Yet, those specs of porcelain you find gradually as you clean will remind you to show greater patience when met with the same situation. Always moving forward as usual. This video is right down to earth.

[@alexandraframe6493]

I’ve never worked with porcelain clay, I wasn’t ready yet. I’ve done the same thing, I just got so frustrated. I’m glad you stuck with it, the piece you did was very nice. I’m like lighter colours, I might use a blue, buts that’s just me.

[@Chloe-zr9lk]

From one potter to another, the angry crumpling of clay was 1000% justified. I have never heard anything good about the glacier porcelain. The pot looked lovely in the end :)

[@suburbanyute340]

I'm the last person in the world who could judge someone for getting frustrated.

[@notyou6674]

im wondering, how do you sharpen those custom trimming tools when they get dull? how often do you have to sharpen them?

[@julianroberts7116]

No mate, don't worry about it. You struggled a bit with some new clay, that's all. You're a master potter, I think you can allow yourself a break. Throwing pots is hard. There's nothing "deeply embarrassing" about struggling with a new clay. In fact I think it's quite normal.

[@nocturnhabeo]

I really like this video having a chance to see a real failure and that even you can get really frustrated with your work.

[@Tangent.]

Would it be possible to fire one of those tight curls you get from adding the bevel to the base. Seems like a satisfying shape that could be nice to hold and fidget with

[@shawnholbrook7278]

Thanks for sharing. I used to make/try/ learn things that were hard or difficult. I'm trying chalk pastels now, and its such a mess. but recently, I saw a simple design that I did in elementary school that is doable at my level, just needs layers, and maybe a protect sheet to keep areas clean. maybe your clay is meant for thick so it can have carvings, textures, undulations or dragonscales. translucent lamp shade?

[@LalaZhourPotteryWorkshop]

Wow awesome

[@gingeridot]

When you crumpled the piece of work, I chuckled, but only because I could recognize myself in that moment. Like when I crochet and the yarn is so fuzzy that it entangles with itself, so when I have to redo a stitch, I can't even unravel, so I just pull until it rips apart... Obviously I can't tell you how to feel, nor would I want to, but from my perspective, you don't need to be embarrassed. You already said you were in the video, so that's that... ;) From the top of my head I could only imagine if Elon Musk came out and said "Sorry everyone, I'm kinda embarrassed how many more N*zis I fostered into Twitter and how many Teslas explode [...]" I would go "yeah as you friggin should be". Soooooo, you're good! :)

[@TheDutchPotter]

The frustration is very recognisable. I'm only doing it as a hobby, so sometimes I don't touch the wheel for months and especially after such a long period it will take a few pots to get that "feel" for the clay back, even with nice clay. Question about the MDF bats, are they regular MDF, or special waterproof MDF? I'm planning to make some myself, I have a few I made of plywood, but they slightly warp over time.

[@zaibcom]

Beautiful

[@txikitofandango]

I wonder, if you stick with this type of clay, as you start feeling its limitations, will you discover new ways of working with it that result in pieces you couldn't make with your more familiar clays?

[@peterjacobkang]

This is really encouraging. I bought 20 bags of a "silk" porcelain here in Korea, not knowing they mainly use silk for casting clays. I'm going to call and try and exchange it but chances are I'll have to learn to throw with it.

[@UCVWnuJnz0LguhAS_MYI3few]

or get really good at making lots of really tiny cats

[@user-nz7mw1kp1i]

Where do you order your trimming tools? I mix my Glacia w/ another porcelain which makes it easier to throw.

[@NateRidgway-gl5vq]

There is something that I've done in the past where you drip wax over the pot with a brush dip ot in glaze then drip wax so on and so forth until you reach the desired thickness of glaze

[@DAGABHAI11KVijaysingh]

Super

[@Substitute_Sam]

I have been growing for a year now and my sessions last 3-8 hours. It feels like whenever you’re getting agitated you don’t realize it til it’s too late. Like “I should have stopped an hour ago”

[@BrokenArrowPottery]

Clay bodies make a huge difference!

[@HowHardIsThat]

Thank you for you.

[@gso7725]

My humble advice would be to throw slightly thicker with that porcelain. Then while turning the foot you can thin them down as much as desired.

[@loserdude2541]

I always thought a spiral divot would look really nice but I never see people doing it? Is it considered tacky in the pottery world or does it make the pot weaker?

[@VideoKitty]

❤ that is how most of my pots are moving so I need to work on my centering how come it gets uncentered when I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing and it just moves off center then I end up with a wobble

[@JathraDH]

This visually looks a lot like the porcelain I used to throw with back in college. You use WAAAAAAY more water than I used to. If I used that much on the stuff I was using back then it would have instant crumpled for sure. I feel your pain on this video. I started throwing using 2 metal ribs on the inside/out so I wasn't really touching the clay with my hands at all to reduce drag and required water. It made the walls much stronger during the throwing process.

[@pepperypeppers2755]

I'm curious, what application is this porcelain made for? Seems like it's nearly impossible to throw like in this video, so is there something else it's good at?

[@dezmodium]

anyone who has ever done something requiring any level of skill has run into something like this. Doesn't matter if you are trying to master a new song on an instrument, throwing pots with a new clay, or figuring out how to troubleshoot a new mechanical issue on a machine you aren't familiar with. You just run into issues you have to struggle through.

[@DieKupfnerbergerSteiger]

I don't know about 'brands' of clay, but I am familiar with some characteristics of it. Does this clay perhaps have small amounts of silt or organic elements in it?

[@super_ceramics]

Sorry but I laugh when you smash the pot. So out of your usual character but somehow liberating to see you getting pissed sometimes :) I am for a glazing only in the inside

[@RayMrRobert]

Sorry for your frustration mate but love the result.

[@LiamBoyle-nl9bi]

u should go with a tanspernt matte idk if it will l;ook the same I'm just starting in pottery and love ur videos :)

[@BasilWallace]

I laughed pretty hard when the leather hard lid had a wobble

[@Elin.Noller]

I'm not a potter, I have zero experience. BUT, from what I have heard, you have to work very fast since this type of clay (porcelain)will sorta melt and lose its strength if you work it for too long. Might be that this brand is extra sensitive in that regard. Maybe try speed-trowing simpler shapes that you can work more in the trimming stage when the clay is more stable?

[@juanQuedo]

Hey...at least we know you are human! 🤣 At 7:00 I would have cursed a lot and probably punched the lumpy ball of clay, injuring my hand in the process 😂

[@cowslaw]

that first shot was like a jumpscare

[@advanceringnewholder]

Is there such things as transparent glaze?