Throwing 1 Pound Vases

Throwing One Pound Vases
I had started to make cereal bowls and decided to change and make some small vases. I thought I would bring you all along and share some tips about making them.
Intro: www.bensound.c...

[@robertspicer421]

I use a pound of clay to make a coffee cup, cant imagine getting these shapes and size pots with a pound of clay

[@brianparris2784]

I said the same thing watching his one pound bowl video. That's how I got here and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it.

[@kellydiver]

Thank you for showing your blooper. In addition to the reassurance from knowing that the pros still have “oopsies,” I feel like I learn a lot from watching how the pros handle mistakes - how to fix them, or how to know when to just throw it into the reclaim and move on. And like others have said, you’re the best potter I’ve seen on KZbin.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Thank you. Yeah I don’t fiddle with wobbly pots for very long. If it will take me longer to fix that one than to make another one I’m wasting my time. That’s my threshold. In the end it’s all just clay, isn’t it.

[@AmyPalatnick]

That was great to watch-i love your “pot talk”-i too have been a production potter for decades with hundreds of thousands of pots under my belt. I do have one tip for you with these bottle shapes, but won’t offer it unsolicited as i know how annoying that can be as a pro. 👍🏽🙋🏻‍♀️🤗

[@KBBF3]

You can narrate and throw at the same time so effortlessly. Your experience really shows.

[@erinwithryder]

I appreciate that you didn't edit out the blooper part. Thank you for being an outstanding potter with humility. :)

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

You’re welcome. I figured people would enjoy seeing that. 😆

[@mysmallpotteryshop3291]

Matt; I am so glad you left the blooper in, because I thought I was the only one that rips clay in half. You are an expert artist potter. (I'm not)

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

No one is really and expert, we just make fewer and fewer mistakes the more we do it (hopefully, lol). I thought people would get a kick out of that mistake.

[@clifforddalton3067]

me 2 : LOL

[@chrispya1]

I did that to three of my four pieces last week. I'm only six months in and am learning to work with two pounds. :D

[@kathymc234]

Thank you for discussing creating for sales. It feels like the pre-dominate message in the art world is to "make what you love". This becomes unrealistic for young artists. Then they become disillusioned on why the world isn't clamoring to their door. Your honesty is refreshing. Thanks!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I totally agree with your thoughts there. I don’t have any formal education in pottery or art but yes there needs to be a balance of do what you love and knowing what will sell and the market that you’re trying to sell to. That’s the business side of the art. Thanks for watching.

[@havetohavehoya4598]

Love this!

[@brianh.9688]

Matthew, this is one of my favorite videos from you. You are quite generous in sharing your knowledge and experience. Half a million pots?! Wow! Often when I'm getting frustrated while throwing I think to myself: "Matthew has 25 years of experience, his career was throwing pots, (and now I'll add to that - he's thrown a half million pots), he made mistakes along the way too, don't be too hard on yourself" And this helps me through the difficult learning curve. So thank you Matthew. You are a great teacher as well as a great potter.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I’m glad it helped and yes that was no exaggeration... so yes add that to your list of things that keep you going. 🤣 We can all improve one way or another. Cheers

[@sheilam4964]

For me this not only informative but relaxing. Good choice on the volume and music. Thanks.

[@brianh.9688]

Well said! Lots of good comments here, but this one nails it perfectly!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

You’re welcome. I’m glad I “nailed” it. Cheers. Haha

[@melissagraham4569]

Thank you Matthew! Very generous of you to show the pot collapsing. Inspiring and encouraging as always.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Yeah I'm definitely not above showing when I mess up. None of us are perfect.

[@relmilioortiz5646]

You’re amazing!! I can’t throw a pound of clay that tall without it caving in. Love your videos and appreciate you sharing your knowledge. ✊🏾

[@carolpaige1094]

Really appreciate this video. EVERY “real” second of it! Thank you. So helpful!!!

[@clifforddalton3067]

Love watching you throw Matt, you have a very unique way of throwing, especially the foot. Thanks.

[@ShyArtist52]

Thanks for leaving that boo boo in. It comforts me. 🙂

[@edenstarr5740]

We are makers as well, and I tell my partner the same thing about copies.... It really is a compliment, and your skill will set you apart as a creator. I'm really happy to have found your channel... You explain everything very well. Thank you. :)

[@judelachance]

Just found your videos! I appreciate your truth and sincerity in your explanations/ directions. Thanks

[@telissalong2976]

Thank you for another great video! The most amazing part to me is getting a vase so big from 1 lb but I'm so far from your level of expertise! I just do pottery for a hobby and do a couple of shows around Christmas. I'm glad somebody else said that you can sell them easy. I kind of go where the money is! This year unfortunately, or fortunately for me it was in ceramic molds for Christmas trees. I made a lot off of these molds but it's not something I particularly like making but they sell like hotcakes and I have the molds due to chance. I found a new respect for ceramic artists. It's not as easy as I always pictured...so I did gain a lot from that experience. I'm never beyond trying something new. Keep keeping it real and we'll keep watching!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video. There definitely is a balance of knowing what you like to make and what will sell, at least if you’re trying to make a living selling your work as I do. I wish you continued success! Cheers

[@andreibarbato1442]

thank you for your videos man. learning a lot from you

[@dscherrfreedman]

I am a new potter and you inspired with every video! Thank you for the wonderful tips I get every time I watch.

[@user-hg8jo2lz8s]

Чисто, аккуратно, формы красивые... с наслаждением посмотрела. Браво, МАСТЕР!!!

[@TheArkDoc]

Love that you left the blooper in. Thanks for the video, and for being honest.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

You’re very welcome! Cheers

[@hyearchuleta9990]

Thank you for showing me it is okay to be not perfect!!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

For sure! No one is ... so we better be ok with NOT being perfect. Cheers

[@cristinagandolfi4599]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@janastecher6969]

Such a great and informative video thank u for beeing so real

[@mudpuppy283283]

Once again, you amaze and inspire me with your producton pottery making videos. Keep up the great work.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@lydiabosley9152]

Matthew - Thanks - Very nice, inspiring video! Would have loved to see the array of just-thrown pieces side by side, to see the variations in shape - maybe next time? Thanks for sharing your talents with us!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Thank you and you’re welcome.

[@nealspear9989]

Great video! Ive made pottery for a little over two years and have taught myself through videos. I'm getting to a hurdle in selling my pottery and making what sells vs. experimenting. I really liked watching this video.

[@billmiller9145]

Thanks for leaving the blooper in @15:02.

[@eddiespottery8439]

Hi Matt, It's nice to know that you are human when it come to mistakes. Me on the other hand, I make more then my fair share. But thats from getting in to big of a hurry and I do this just for fun. Eddie.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

We all get in a hurry sometimes and we usually pay the price.

[@heatherangel101]

This is unreal 🙈 1 pound?!? Efficiency at its finest

[@judywayland5507]

Guess that happens to everyone! You're still the best! ♥♥♥

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Thank you. Yes it does happen to everyone. Haha

[@taralh13]

I really enjoy watching you throw..😀 I'm just beginning to learn to throw and the speed you throw at looks terrifying!😂😲

[@seijianimeshi]

just shows how much better i can get at utilizing ever ounce of clay, im gona give this a try

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

We all can get better at something, no matter how long we’ve been playing in the clay.

[@liamg1995]

Thanks for the lovely video Matthew! Love following your adventures. Hope to maybe make it up to Seagrove sometime around NCECA time!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Awesome! I am planning to be there on Thursday at NCECA but I have to be home Friday morning to head to a show that is Friday night and Saturday.

[@ReapWhatYouSeauxLeJeune]

Beautiful pieces......

[@Nintendalie]

Hearing you say you've made half a million pots made me realize how ridiculous it is to compare my skill to yours 😂

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I’m glad you came to that conclusion! You won’t be as frustrated that way and you’re able to learn much more with a positive mindset! Good for you.

[@kwyatt97]

Thank you for the blooper ... it shows your human. We all make mistakes in our art.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Yes I’m human. At least that’s what I’m programmed to tell you 😉

[@bbd1254]

Could you make a video showing possible beginners practice routines? Like different beginner steps repeated over and over? For example, a tutorial for how to center, and then Uncenter, center uncenter. Or open up, close, open up, close. Or pull small wall, bring back down, pull wall, repeat. This would be super helpful for beginners like me who have a wheel at home.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

That is a great question. Most of those things are very hard to repeat over and over on the same clay ball. It takes more clay and prep time but repeating the steps on new clay balls each time is more realistic and I think you would learn more that way.

[@pottersjournal]

Vases that big out of one pound of clay that's the part that doesn't seam quite human. Just found you and discovering your a Seagrove potter. Got suspicious when I saw the 'Rebecca' something I always knew as a 'bible pot' from Seagrove. No wonder you built such a big kiln. Thank for the videos

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Haha. Thanks for watching. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Yes I like to throw, and more importantly sell, big pots and you need a large kiln to fire them in. Cheers!

[@centralparkcoffeeco.cafeba6634]

I threw sitting down for 5 years; then discovered standing up. I will never sit again. The quality of my pots improved incredibly when standing. Just my personal preference. I was shocked that I had never seen that, or told that it was an option.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Isn’t it amazing that we don’t know what we don’t know until we find it out. Haha

[@nikolastalarico4993]

Your wheel makes the worst sound that would drive me crazy bro 🤣

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Yes I’m working on getting that fixed. I think I’ve figured out that I need a new belt

[@KSCPMark6742]

Half a million pieces over 25 years is 54 pieces a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It may be a slight overestimation, imho. Impressive video as always.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I used to throw 150-200 pieces a day 5 days a week. You do the math

[@johnshachter7808]

Hey Matthew: I always love watching you work. You have a very easy, down to earth way about your presentations, that is not only relaxing: but very informative as well. I wondered if you would welcome fellow potters to your studio to see your process. I've only been throwing for about 3 years, and did handbuilding for a few years before that. I hope we can come to visit the next time we're on the East Coast (coming from Phoenix).

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Definitely. If you’re in the area or going to be just let me know.

[@susantapaul6557]

Good work

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Thanks

[@benpatterson4452]

The great thing about just sitting down, and throwing a lot of something, is the little bit of experimentation, you can do. I generally do this with the "Empty Bowl" donations. I just try and make a variety of bowl shapes and sizes. Then when I glaze them, I also do some experimenting. In regards to originality, and inspiration, there is a story I heard from another potter, that I like. He recounts a teacher and student/ master and apprentice. The student would come up with what they thought was an original piece, and leave it on the teachers desk. The next day, the student would come back and the teacher would have a book opened to a photo of that exact design. This went on for some time... Also, were you throwing vAses, or vAHses?...

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I like the story. I have been there before thinking I made something fairly original only to find a very old piece very similar... I have found the difference between vAses and vAHses is the price. lol

[@benpatterson4452]

@@MatthewKellyPottery Well played.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

🤣

[@jonives7734]

Matt, I enjoy your vids! Thank you for sharing! You are getting a lot of size out of 1# it seems. How tall is your cylinder after final pull?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I didn’t measure the cylinders but I’m sure they were 6-7” tall. Yeah i was pulling them fairly thin as you can tell when I ripped one in half. Haha. Cheers

[@KellyAnn1997]

How long did it take you to really get comfortable throwing nice pots? I’ve been doing pottery for about a year and I feel like my progress is so slow.

[@liamg1995]

just gonna throw my unsolicited answer in here - Hang in there! Been throwing for 10 years and still have "off days" haha. Gotta enjoy the journey of learning, you never get "good" just always a little better than you were the day/week/ year before!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I know the feeling Kelly, it is very gradual most of the time but then you will have short periods of time where you take leaps forward. Everyone’s progress is different based on the amount of time they practice, the assistance they have from others, and everyone’s natural skill varies also. Sorry to “not” answer your question but that’s the best I can do. Cheers

[@MarcellaSmithVegan]

Do you sell there at your studio, or a gallery? One of my problems back when I was making pots and art was the problem of selling, can you speak on that?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I sell at my gallery, kiln opening sales, shows, and a couple of galleries. I will add this to my video ideas/thoughts. Cheers

[@leanneholvast6606]

Hi Matthew, have you made your own batts and if so, what material are they made from? Do you ever have a problem with the square shape? (i.e. Knocking your fingers on the edges as the wheel spins).

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I didn’t make them but they are 1/4 in. tempered masonite. It didn’t take me long to get used to the square ones but yes you have to be mindful at first not to catch your fingers on the edge.

[@luni.studio]

Hi Matthew, after you finished throwing, can you leave the vase on the wood without untying it with a thread? Can you just lift the vase off when it dries? And how do you trim the bottom when the top is so beautifully shaped?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Yes I let most of my pieces dry on the bat until they release. I don’t trim most of my pieces either. I do my best to throw them so that they don’t need trimming.

[@cristinagandolfi4599]

Stunning work! What tiles do you use for when making the vases?

[@svalliance8373]

Mat, you are probably one of the best potters on you tube at the moment. I think you should have so many more followers, but being you tube they want bam and wow and shows, jonthepotter is a prime example of this. I love your expertise and ability to do pottery is beyond anyone else. your work is amazing, throwing that is...lol I personally don't like your glazing choices, but that is just me. I can only wish to throw with half your ability. add some pizzazz to your show and your subs will grow. well that is just my opinion.

[@YLeeFranklin]

I don’t like watching jonthepotter. I am subscribed to this lovely gentleman. Please don’t get him to change. (Sorry. This is just my opinion.)

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I agree with you about the bam and wow and pizazz, but that’s not who I am. If I have to do that for KZbin then I’ll just make pots and forget about KZbin. I’d love more subs and more viewers but not at the expense of being fake. I appreciate your honest opinion about the glazes and your nice way of saying it. Cheers to you for not being toxic. Seems the internet has a way of doing that so much these days. That’s why I won’t be fake. I can’t stand fake people and people with no filter to their thoughts and words. Haha. Thanks again.

[@svalliance8373]

Well I respect that, but I do like to watch Jon too, he is fun and has all that pizazz I was talking about, but when I want to watch someone with expertise beyond and really want to learn how to throw, or at least pick up some real good technique I watch Mat. I have watched Jericho once but man is he boring..... lol. Mr. Kelly is by far the best potter on You Tube and that is saying a lot. I don't want him to change either, just feel he should have at least 100k subs. Jon is young, good looking and all that, if I started filming my throwing like my family says I should, I would have 5 subs {all family}, and I am sure not all would sub...lol please keep filming and making great pots.

[@brianh.9688]

@@MatthewKellyPottery Thank you for not being fake! That's one of the many things I love about your channel. I would be so bummed if you didn't make videos any more. I like your style of video, I learn so much from you, and you just seem like a really good guy. And honest good guys seem in short supply these days. You should have more subs and tons of sponsors, but then again I wonder how much those things start to compromise a channel.

[@RBCharger]

I am new to your channel. I liked how you finished the foot of the pieces and I think I will try to copy that with my future pieces. I am curious about why you didn't cut the pot loose with a wire before you put it aside. I thought they crack if they are not cut loose.

[@ilikedonuts5763]

Hi Matt, I'm a new subscriber today and plan on watching all your videos. You are very talented!! What kind of clay do you use and how do you soften up your clay so it doesn't get to wet and muddy?? You said you can't use the balls of clay for bowls because they are too stiff so how do you soften them up a bit?? I'm glad I found your channel!!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

This clay balls were fine when I first made them. I think they sat in the container for about a week. They were covered but they still stiffened a bit. If i wanted it softer usually I just run it through my pugmill with some softer clay. I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

That clay is Hestia from Highwater

[@bobm2331]

Matthew, great timing. I needed help with vases. What is the clay body? Looks like white stoneware but not sure. You seem to work it pretty thin. So glad I found the channel.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Hey. That clay is Hestia from Highwater. It’s a buff stoneware. I’m glad you found it also.

[@charliegregg9447]

What type of clay is that.? That's a nice height from a 1 lb of clay. Very nice.

[@crissymurray6176]

Hello Matthew, i am new to yr videos.. I am from Australia and i have always love to watch all and learn as much as i can, the best way my hands can move and i can see what i come up with! What is the brand of yr wheel, do u have please?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I have two wheels that I throw on. That one is a Pacifica GT400. The other is a Brent CXC

[@coversbyaalia]

What clay are you working with? Great video!

[@guatBush]

Do you have any videos on how you shape your foot while the piece is on the wheel? Super interested in how you do it!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Not specifically about that but it’s on my list of video ideas. Stay tuned

[@gtrapper3745]

About how tall are those vases, nice job !!!!

[@carljohnson637]

I very much enjoy your videos! May I ask how thick are the walls on your 1lb vases?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I’m not sure but they are pretty thin to get that size out of one pound.

[@clifforddalton3067]

are all those vases exactly one 1 lb Matt? great tutoring video, thank you as always.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Yes they should be 1lb. I cut them all the same length but did not weigh each one.

[@jerusalempotteryhagopkarak6950]

Just curious, how many hours a day do you throw? it's relaxing to watch btw.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I used to throw at least 6 hours a day and some days probably up to 10 but not so much lately now that I’m working for myself I am doing all aspects of the process. I spent years just throwing production for other potters so all I did was throw.

[@deliriousfish]

Do you ever offer live workshops or classes?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I definitely plan to but none planned yet.

[@Haas0525]

What are your thoughts of training via video chat?

[@s.moores5546]

❤ silly it’s hand made

[@macswanton9622]

50 pieces a day, every single day, for 25 years. That's a lot of pottery

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Yes that is. Some days were 0 and others were 200 pots so it’s tough to calculate so I did my best to estimate. I’ve been making pots for 27 years now and 25 of that has been in a job/career setting. Either way... it’s a lot of pots. Haha

[@debbiewilson958]

Do you ever use other tools other than the wood rib?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Not many. I’m very minimalist in the amount of tools that I use. Every once in a while I’ll use a rubber rib but that’s about it. A simpleton in that regard. Haha

[@bbd1254]

What are your bats made of?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Tempered Masonite/hardboard It’s .25 inch thick and smooth on both sides.

[@havetohavehoya4598]

Do you sell mail order!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I do 4-5 online sales a year. One is coming up next week

[@harrymelamed848]

What kind of clay are you using?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Those vases were made out of Hestia from Highwater

[@MarcellaSmithVegan]

Do you have an online store?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I do periodic sales on Etsy. Stay tuned because I announce the sales here, on Facebook and Instagram

[@jillkaplan393]

Vwhere do you buy those bats?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Those were made by a local woodworker. They are made of .25in high density tempered masonite.

[@Myles75]

half a million pots ..... lmao sure

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

My calculator must be broke. How many do you figure I’ve made?