How to Throw and Trim a Bowl with Informative Cross Sections

In this week's video I'm throwing and trimming a simple stoneware bowl form. I'm trying something new in this video, as you watch I'll include a number of cross-sections and diagrams to help explain some of the topics I speak about. Please let me know what you think and whether these sorts of images help with my explanations.
Here's a link to the spiral wedging how-to video I spoke about: • How to Spiral Wedge Clay
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:20 - Preparing reclaimed clay to throw with
2:12 - Throwing the bowls
2:43 - Cross section of thrown form
6:10 - Flipping over the leather hard bowls
6:41 - Trimming the bowls
7:17 - Cross section of clay that needs to be removed
11:17 - Discussing trimmed thickness with correct and incorrect examples
15:52 - Finished pieces, (not yet fired)
I throw using a Rohde HMT500 potter's wheel and for the most part use Bison trimming tools.
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Instagram - / floriangadsby
TikTok - / floriangadsby
Website - www.floriangadsby.com

[@fastenough3287]

the last shot of the bowls perfectly stacking at the rim was so impressive

[@verleede]

The diagrams were very helpful to illuminate the internal planning process of trimming, and I think in other contexts they would continue to add color to your thoughtful, fluid expression of what you are doing. Thank you for another informative and well made video.

[@floriangadsby]

Ah, that's so helpful to hear, thank you Attis! And thanks too for taking the time to watch, it's much appreciated.

[@ratstograts]

Very much appreciated the cross section drawings. Very helpful video. thank you.

[@suzirubin8981]

The diagrams made all the difference for me.

[@ruthfinamore1287]

You speak so eloquently and explicitly. VERY helpful and informative! Thank you!

[@deborahwybou4285]

Really liked the use of the diagrams. Great videos.

[@inbarsarig875]

the fine tuned details are very helpful, thank you!

[@floriangadsby]

So glad to hear that. Thanks for watching!

[@whoiskcwhat]

So relaxing to watch this with a good glass of single malt.

[@ShihOliviaSydney]

Love how the bowls sit on top of each other perfectly! Nice to have the diagrams as “mental blueprint” to work towards too :)

[@floriangadsby]

Haha, yes, I really liked how they stacked at the end, they practically form a little jar when arranged like that. Mental diagrams are good, I spent years drawing cross section of pots and I think it really had an affect on me, it's what I envision when I'm making and trimming. Thanks for watching!

[@user-jv3vd3wv4x]

Your videos are very beneficial. As a beginner, I come home from class, watch your videos, and then again before class I do the same. It's great to have the time to absorb your videos and apply the concepts in class. Thank you!!!

[@GoD2483]

The diagrams were so helpful, really gave insight into your working process.

[@StanlocoInc]

It’s amazing to see perfect pottery and the hands that form them vs just buying a piece and wondering how it’s done. Those bowls even while still clay are beautiful. Seeing the diagrams did in fact help and it is great to know the process and your thinking behind it.

[@trashboat163]

The diagrams were super helpful! Thank you; I love your videos

[@RayMrRobert]

I love simple forms. You aced it here. Perfect throwing and trimming. Thank you.

[@scoobydog411]

At the end of the video you put two bowls together. I was thinking that would make a nice Lamp. The detail you put into everything is amazing…..

[@barbarab285]

Very helpful. Your clear explanation and great diagrams make it easy to understand. Thank you.

[@kopalseth6701]

Yessss diagrams were amazing and loved the tips! Please add numbers and arrows to the diagrams if possible. Will make them more informative. Thank you for these videos, really enjoy them!

[@sueking6618]

A joy to watch. Thank you Florian!

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you Sue, so pleased to hear that.

[@andrewhazelwood5423]

Useful video and diagrams. Keep them coming 👍

[@faydiva8863]

Oh my goodness. I am a very new potter but love trimming. I could watch this all day. I found the diagrams particularly helpful, thank you.

[@moonshroom5879]

My art teacher actually had shown this video to my class not to long ago, was really excited when I realized it was you! :)

[@monicamestas7566]

I threw my first bowl in pottery class today. Couldn't destroy it for the educational value; but after watching your three beginner videos (and seeing your end products), I definitely see the value. So maybe next time ;) Very helpful instruction. Thank you!

[@r.duroucher225]

I would add my vote for diagrams. Very helpful.

[@coversbyaalia]

Yes, very useful! Your remark of using the corner of the teardrop tool at the bottom instead of starting it flat is very useful. My bottoms often end up domed and distorted. Also, high speed + sharp tool = Yes.

[@Vernoypottery]

I think the diagrams would be very helpful for beginner throwers. Definitely keep incorporating them. Great video as always!

[@mikeu5380]

Thank you for your generosity in sharing your skills with us. Cheers from Japan.

[@snowflakeceramics]

Great video. I've been throwing for years but ALWAYS struggled with a well formed bowl. I'm feeling enlightened.

[@mastermavrick]

More diagrams! helps us visualize what your doing when watching you trim. On top of that shows us viewers how the form is setup. It also saves you cutting a piece in half to show us said form as you have in a few videos.

[@redharrier8273]

Yes! Diagrams, please. I especially appreciate the close-ups, it allows me to see the angle at which you hold the trimming tool. Sometimes I've wished for a slow-mo of those parts where the foot first takes shape -as the tool carves it out of the clay, to better see the tool movements, the angle at which it meets the clay. Thanks for the video.

[@dropcake]

Phenomenal work!

[@ClownWhisper]

Every time I watch one of your videos it makes me wanna go down into my studio and start throwing LOL

[@victoriamiskolczy6336]

Very useful information, thank you for posting!

[@angelauruena1463]

It was really helpful to have the diagrams. and I also love how repetitive your videos can be, like why is important to put your finger on the other side when putting your maker's mark, usually, I'm annoyed with people repeating themselves but it feels comforting and true to your content.

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you! Well, repetition is always going to be part of my videos as it's what I do in the studio, I make hundreds of the same pieces so that will be reflected in these films. I suppose also I never know whether this video will be the first one somebody watches, so while certain aspects of it might be repetitive for you, it may not be so for others who are only just following along. Anyhow, I'm pleased you like it in fact, I'll see if there's something else I can add when stamping my bowls next. 😬

[@angelauruena1463]

@@floriangadsby it's amazing how you take your time to read the comments. Love your content.

[@catherinehancock-uh7ud]

Thank you I have learned so much and realise now where I have been going wrong! Keep up the good work.

[@lindahay9051]

I love seeing the cross sections, it helps to visualize the full story. Thank you for another great video!

[@brianreid5607]

As always, a well presented and informative video, the diagrams are a great visual aid. Thank you for taking the time away from your work, to show us your process.

[@bronwenevans7877]

initially, i stumbled across your channel while searching for calming pottery videos to help with my anxiety, but now i am genuinely interested in all your videos :) thank you so much for helping my mental health while also showing me a new hobby!

[@lindawitkamp4653]

Loved the info and diagrams! Thanks!

[@floriangadsby]

Great to hear so, thanks for watching Linda.

[@christinelucciardi2411]

Superbe vidéo, comme toujours. Beaucoup de générosité et tellement de précision dans la technique.C’est très précieux pour moi du point de vue de l’apprentissage et tellement beau que c’est un moment de méditation… aussi bien les images, les connaissances que votre texte et votre voix. Vous êtes mon maître

[@susantong-lim3201]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us. Love the diagrams...very helpful. A fan from, Ottawa, Canada

[@louischinappi3526]

This was so helpful. Thank you. The diagrams were helpful.

[@321ReadysSetG0]

Adding this video to my student recommended list - very informative and diagrams are so helpful to visualize what most just use words to explain. In class, we have bisque examples, but when reviewing processes at home - this video will be a great addition to reference. Thank you for all the work you do to educated it is greatly appreciated.

[@mariawandiba3554]

I loved the diagrams as I'm a visual person and this just helps me when i practice trimming on the wheel! As always, you are such an inspiration. Thank you for taking the time to educate us on how things are done well with patience and dedication.

[@karencraven3160]

Wonderful instruction and I loved the diagrams.

[@TheBenLemonade]

The level of detail with which you described the process was truly informative and helpful. Really appreciate the insight into your craft, and would love to try throwing sometime as you have inspired me. Thank you as always!

[@dvh9823]

The diagrams are great! (maybe flip the diagrams during trimming for the people with a less developed spatial sense)

[@terryferris223]

My wife and I really enjoy your videos, and the diagrams were very helpful. We just received our pugmill last week ( Peter Pugger ) and I wish we wouldn't have waited so long to get one, it works wonderfully. BTW I had to wait 11 weeks to get mine, the lead time now is six months.

[@jeanneratterman]

Listening is a meditation. I start potting tomorrow for the first time in over 50 years. I look forward to playing again with the clay. Thank you for this flowing educational video with great tips. ❤❤🙏👏 (i have been watching numerous pot throwing videos, learning something from each one. I am so grateful to all the potters who share their craft and art with others. Thank you!)

[@ridesponser264]

Love the methodical process you describe

[@kaybrown9456]

As always- thoughtful and very helpful. The diagrams remind me of what I already know but often fail to consider…and I am inspired to throw a few bowls this morning and trim them tomorrow after rewatching this video to encourage and inform myself to work mindfully. Thanks Florian- you are a natural teacher ( and as a teacher for 25 years - I know what that looks like)!

[@nicolecollins2080]

The diagrams are very helpful. Thanks!

[@thelxvechild3193]

I've always been so keen and interested in the art of throwing and your videos have shown me that it's well worth it to pursue this art form. I'm a tattoo artist and I recently had a baby and now I feel like I should be doing work closer to home where I can be with my son. Your videos have really inspired me. They are very informative, your video quality is fantastic and I really did find your diagrams and their explanations to be very helpful in terms of the reasons why you throw the way you do. Keep up the great work and always know that there is someone all the way in South Africa who decided to pursue pottery because you've inspired them. I have one word for you sir, BRAVO.

[@floriangadsby]

What a wonderful comment, seriously! Hearing that makes all the time spent making pots and these videos so worthwhile. Good luck with your potting venture, no doubt with your illustration and tattoo experience you'll find a good voice with clay. Thanks for watching!

[@sarahwhite4040]

Diagrams super helpful!! Seeing one for lidded jars would be awesome

[@floriangadsby]

That's something I'll have to do! I have a teapot video coming out in two weeks time that does feature some lids but it's more focused on the spout and handle placement. I'll add it to my list of potential videos to make. Thanks!

[@levishepherd4387]

The diagram was very helpful thank you

[@janepowers6752]

Thank you for this video and all your videos. So helpful and well done.

[@dizzybishop9240]

I just want to thank you because you have taught me so much about pottery! I was clueless when I got my wheel after only doing one course- but, you helped me and now I’m making enclosed pots and many tall ones that are turning out amazing! That was just a year ago!! Thank you!

[@lisaberczel3724]

The diagrams are a huge help with visualizing the relationship between the inside and outside forms. Thank you for the extra effort!

[@jmoreno125]

Thank you for sharing this master piece!

[@sabinaraudner-kornasiewicz2389]

Niezmiennie niesamowite. Jeszcze wiele nauki przede mną, by osiągnąć choćby połowę tych umiejętności. Podziwiam. Wielki szacunek :)

[@shibanisatpute8242]

This was an absolute delight to watch! Hearing your thought-process for each and every step was so insightful! Great video! 💯✨

[@floriangadsby]

Glad you enjoyed it! And thanks for taking the time to watch! 🙌🏼

[@ginnyluna6559]

The diagram helped so much, thank you

[@s1cks0le]

The diagrams were helpful! Thank you

[@andrewj3672]

Its interesting that you think of diagrams like that, because its common to visualize pot thickness that way in archaeology too

[@ShaminMike]

The diagrams are very nice and helpful

[@kristenclawson7713]

Yes diagrams are helpful. Thank you

[@carolinegreenwell9086]

the diagrams were very informative

[@faiqaalam5804]

your work is amazing and the new diagrams look very helpful. your videos are so informative and satisfying to watch. I wish to learn and also work on the wheel someday. I only got to experience it once, back in high school ceramics class. love the bowls!

[@floriangadsby]

So appreciate the kind words and the feedback regarding the cross sections. You'll have to give it another go now after watching my videos!

[@faiqaalam5804]

@@floriangadsby yes! I have to and I hope to get back someday very soon. your videos inspire me so much and I watch them everyday.

[@seahawksfan7298]

Yes! More diagrams please

[@anjabouwens6693]

Thank you Florian for sharing! The drawings are very helpful. I love your work 👏

[@Elin.Noller]

Yes, more diagrams please :)

[@ruthannemarie2668]

I’m not a potter. But watching you make pottery is very calming and I love every video. I watch them before I sleep to relax my mind. Keep up the awesome work, you’re very talented! P.s. Your voice is also very gentle and comforting, that’s pretty cool

[@nancydemeritens1359]

Beautiful to watch and very motivating to go trimming after a long day in front of a computer in a french office. I wish I could come and learn with you directly. thanks for sharing this precious informations.

[@inouplana]

Hi Florian! Thank you for your videos (and thanks for the diagrams, they are very informative!). I started watching your videos 4 months ago, after the first month I decided to start a weekend course because I really needed to try it. iI was a totally new experience, to such a complex art, and you take the time to explain and document this art, with such a fantastic quality!! Thank you once again!

[@user-sk9lj8kb5i]

I've just found your videos and I've found them amazingly helpful. Not only am I mesmerized by watching you throwing and trimming but your commentary is brilliant and helps focus on the essential aspects of the visuals! Thank you 🙂

[@marceloalexander2712]

Great video, very clear explanation. I loved the sections, they are very useful. Please keep posting these!

[@scotwillis9993]

brilliant video, great to see the cross sections. as always thank-you so much.

[@vilmavalanciunaite]

Your videos are something absolutely magical. I still cant wrap my head around how you make these videos so informative and technical and yet so smooth, so poetic even. Thank you for all that you do 🖤

[@bryn77]

Great video, as always! The diagrams are really helpful to understand how the curve and foot relate to each other

[@tylerandrea7651]

excellent commentary, especially the description of beginner mistakes with trimming (which i realized i was doing as soon as i heard you speak about allowing the undulation to guide trimming)

[@joallen1124]

Awesome video - thank you, great to see the diagrams. You always seem to catch the right time to trim - I end up with too dry or too wet!

[@brookclement9425]

i’ve been working on my bowls lately so this video came at the perfect time! so helpful and i really liked the addition of the diagrams :) thank you so much!

[@KelsaurusRex]

This is one of my favorite videos of yours! You are always so thorough and generous in explaining your process; you're my best pottery teacher by far! I loved the added diagrams, it really helped me grasp how to manipulate the thrown shape into the turned shape. I used to have trouble knowing where to stop throwing and when to start turning, in order to get the shape I wanted. You are such a blessing 😇

[@jefffoggymountainworkshop5021]

Great video! I am a wood turner, some of the same principles I use. I really did not know wheel turned pottery could be trimmed in this way. Informative. Will be exploring you other videos. Very elegant designs.

[@LooB-tc6fd]

So clear and concise! Really appreciate the diagrams and cut through forms. Thank you.

[@suzannea8180]

I love these bowls and I really appreciate your skills not only on the mechanics of this craft but also the skills you have in creating the right aesthetic for your pieces. Form is so important, so thank you for all of your wonderful videos. I’m a true fan!

[@ranjitsreeram]

Beautiful like always Sensi ♥ Thank you for sharing PS: Diagrams definitely helps, it helps to see and understand the shape better.

[@lisapeck2594]

I found this entire video very helpful. I am relatively new at the potter's wheel and trimming is a mystery to me, from how to center the pot to how to hold the trimming tools. The diagrams you provided, along with the detailed explanations, were very informative. Thank you!

[@jjjessee245]

Very good teaching and overall lesson and video production. I'm just starting ceramics and enjoy your detail level and explanations. The diagram is very helpful.

[@sabrinaschriftman4467]

The diagram is super helpful and the measurement of the pot as well as clay weight to get the proportion as you explained very well the foot and why you leave 1cm and a half to be trimmed and the difference between a small diameter of the foot and a bigger one . Crystal clear when you explain and show this it feels a 121 private practical lesson. Thanks Florian !

[@floriangadsby]

So glad to hear that. I really wanted these videos to be like little, intimate classes. Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@sabrinaschriftman4467]

I am totally dedicated to learn from your videos now. This is a treasure and we cant miss the opportunity you give us !

[@lah999]

Thank you🙏🏽 Beautiful smoothly flowing pottery as usual... Yes ...having a sketch helps .

[@amyarcher5055]

I have just started watching your videos. They are among the most helpful instructional videos I have seen. As a self taught potter, I feel as though I have a lot of bad habits and don’t do things in the most efficient way. I have already learned so much and really appreciate these. Look forward to watching more. Thank you! Also, the diagrams were very helpful.

[@julierachez8739]

There are already so many comments ! But I'd like to thank you for how you share your work and give the potter's community so many details about how you throw, trim, etc.. And yes, the diagrams are very useful in a functionnal way. Congratulation for your creations. I admire how precise and smooth your gestures are. Thank you

[@StevenMichaelH]

Thank you for being a HUGE inspiration and source of excitement and motivation for pottery! I fall in love with it every bit more when I watch your videos :)

[@anniezaneboni8130]

thanks for sharing, it does help, i watched over and over thanks

[@Limmerien]

Diagrams and the whole video very helpful! I like to watch your videos before I go to my pottery class for inspiration and refresher of techniques I'm learning. :)

[@mjchandlerscorner785]

Your videos and diagrams are helping me with learning in my pottery class

[@Katheverett]

Thumbs up for the diagrams! It was amazing how the two bowls at the end made a globe! That really illustrated the perfect half circles from the diagrams. Very cool!

[@floriangadsby]

Thanks! Yes, that was good fun placing them together like that, glazing them this week and hopefully they fire nicely as they could be a shape I add to my pool of pots. Although I think next time I need to use a bit more clay and throw them about 15/20% larger.

[@griffincatalys]

I found the diagrams massively helpful. Thank you so much.

[@micharogalski1018]

I also liked diagrams very much. I'm a beginner and the drawings with arrows and symmetry lines are very helpful in understanding your art concept and your goal in consecutive steps. Thank you for this very informative and beautiful film.

[@Quback]

Love all of this...the diagrams are valuable. Thank you