Throwing a Large Bowl with 25 lbs of Clay!

#37
Throwing a 25lb bowl took quite a lot of energy but I'm super thrilled with the results. Enjoy!
If you have any questions or recommendations for videos you would like to see feel free to comment or send me a message. Thanks again for watching!

[@janetjohnson998]

I had to rewatch this because it makes me so happy. Matt throw another like this live to entertain us in n quarantine please!

[@sunsetclayworks]

thanks for this! I would love to see the whole process in getting it off the bat and trimming. Well done Matthew! Lots of control and restraint.

[@glennr9913]

I'm retired from being a glassblower. One of the advantages of glass is that regardless of how much glass we end up using to make a piece, it's always built up from multiple gathers. So, each gather is centered and stable before the next layer is gathered from the furnace. I'd never seen a potter add multiple balls of clay to build up their final mass before, but it's definitely a smart thing to do, especially if you don't throw heavy work regularly. Anything that makes your job easier is smart to do. "Tricks of the trade".

[@jsud5559]

Awesome. Seriously!

[@lindalambert1173]

I'm impressed. Congratulations! That was a beautiful, functional work of art.

[@williamcavanagh8982]

Rock on Mat !!!! Canada

[@lucilleoka]

That was wonderful! I noticed you did not talk as much. I cannot talk at all as I throw. But I enjoy watching you either way.

[@AbelieverofourLord]

Very impressive - you made that look so easy - I'm intimidated by 5lb. Thanks a bunch for sharing! Enjoyed

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I still remember being intimidated by 5lbs. 25 years of practice definitely helps overcome that. Good luck!

[@clifforddalton3067]

love watching this video

[@SlapStuffTogether]

Just the exercise of centering multiple layers of clay is extremely helpful to see. I was struggling centering over 5 lbs it's good to see the method to adding weight gradually.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Yes I do that will all my large pieces. I’m glad it helped!

[@lorrainecliftonceramics]

Thoroughly absorbing to watch! Wish I had a large enough kiln to give it a go.

[@grahamewales4578]

Great bowl, Matthew. I have started to use my elbow to open large pieces of clay. It’s surprising how stable it is and seems to give me way more control, although it’s a little messier. Thanks for sharing. Grahame Wales of Earth and Fire Pottery.

[@knightclan4]

Congratulations on your PB.

[@clifforddalton3067]

I have so far watched this amazing feat of throwing Matt several times and have picked up more little tips every time. I'm sure you are delighted with the result? I think I have not been leaving enough clay at the `bottom part` when throwing! thereby causing collapse as the bowl grows. I won't be doing that again thanks to you. Thanks.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I’m glad it has helped! I did get the letter in the mail. Thank you again very much. You are more than kind!

[@clifforddalton3067]

You are more than welcome Matt. Good luck.

[@cavemandancer]

You must be so proud. It is amazing one. To have such a large bowl and not look like it is spinning is very impressive.

[@ksagame9289]

FIRST! also man keep up the work these videos are actually fun to watch

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Thanks buddy! I have another recorded already, just need to edit.

[@knightclan4]

Thanks so much for the multiple clay ball tip.

[@clifforddalton3067]

So far this is my fav video.

[@triciac1019]

That is just beautiful! Well done!

[@shelleydoxtdator753]

WOW!!!

[@soulak6332]

love your joker...well done you!

[@clifforddalton3067]

Yet again I am watching this amazing video with tips :) I could never get fed up watching this Matthew :) How do you price something like this Matt? all the work that goes into bowl like this warrants £200 - £300, that's what I think I would charge, what do you think?

[@BrokenArrowPottery]

Wow! Phenomenal! I love watching you throw! ♥♥♥ You're the best!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Thank you very much

[@jeff5048]

Love it, thanks for the video!

[@clifforddalton3067]

Thank you Matthew, very informative AND, for me, the best so far from you. [cliff from london]

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Thanks Cliff. That video was great fun to make as well. I was starting to come down with a cold but nobody’s got time for that. Haha

[@clifforddalton3067]

my most watched pottery video to date.

[@muzikmn6t5]

Simply awesome!

[@clifforddalton3067]

My most watched pottery video from my fav potter :) thanks Matt.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Thanks Cliff. That bowl is a bit heavy for the amount of clay but it was fun to make.

[@shelleydoxtdator753]

Fascinating!!!

[@genearnold3252]

Your new photographer is doing a good job.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Thanks. He’s doing way more than helping with videos also!

[@clifforddalton3067]

I notice that your left leg helps you out quite a lot! I find that too when I throw :)

[@bonniedodson3791]

Beautiful! Thank you for making your videos they are inspiring!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Thanks, I'm so glad they are an inspiration to you. I have had plenty of potters through the years inspire me by their work!

[@granywonder57]

Pretty amazing. Thanks

[@Aaron.101]

I like it

[@jhasaelcalle7683]

Hey man im 12 and been doing pottery for 1-2 months and my teacher says that im really good i made a vase with 15lbs of clay idk if thats good or not but i think it is and the reason ive been doing good was cause i watch you and it makes me better your my favorite pottery youtuber

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

That’s awesome! Keep up the good work. Talent is given but skill is developed with lots of practice. But most of all have fun!

[@jhasaelcalle7683]

@@MatthewKellyPottery thank you so much😁😁😁😁

[@grenwarren7876]

Amazing job.

[@Ladonnacontenta]

Did I see you use a rib to clear off the slip before you add another ball?

[@Rabidavid]

Just commented on one of your more recent video's, which was stuttering and pixelated.. This video is so much better quality to view. As always good to see ( and hear) what you're doing. Keep it up!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Thank. I assume the quality issue was on your end but either way I appreciate your feedback.

[@66trumpy66]

Awesome!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Thanks

[@clifforddalton3067]

Hope you don't mind Matthew but I am so thrilled with this bowl that I posted the link on facebook. [cliff from london].

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

No worries. Thank you for sharing it. I don’t mind at all. The more publicity the better

[@avivapechenik9385]

Where can I find the video of you glazing this beauty?!

[@magicmomm]

Impressive!!!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Thank you

[@shanemilehi]

Sweet. Can’t wait to see it finished. What cone you firing to?

[@genearnold3252]

This one will be a great candidate for a big red peacock platter!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

You’re asking me to risk a 25 lb bowl with red that might not get enough reduction!?! Sounds like a great idea!

[@LThrale]

how do you know if the bottom of the pot is the right thickness, and even?

[@thecosynovelist]

If you wanted to use something like this in the garden (as a water bowl) what would you have to do to make it outdoors-proof? Also - Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@triciac1019]

You would want to glaze it.

[@sheilacarroll3981]

Do you have any tips on cutting off large pieces with a wire? Or do you let them release on their own.

[@kensartisticflowsacrylicpo8686]

Hello Matthew, what wheel and bat system are you using in this video?

[@glennp5872]

Great bowl I am a want-a-be potter so I recognize the degree of difficulty

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Thanks. Lots of practice and tons of patience. Skill is only learned, it cannot be bought. Thanks for watching.

[@LThrale]

Do you keep the stuff at the bottom of the water bucket?

[@LThrale]

do you clean the wheel every time you throw?

[@potterywheel2503]

Awesome! - I just did this yesterday for class and got 18" at 9.5" tall, pretty dam thick at the bottom, lol.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Good job. Even mine is thicker than I would like... but it’s a 25 lb bowl. Haha. We all always have room to improve.

[@potterywheel2503]

After watching your vid, I cut my bag of clay into smaller, manageable sections and centered each one, just like you. Our teacher tried to center all 25lbs at once and never got it really centered, rim was way our of round and she finally flopped it, so props to you man, my bowl came out looking great thanks to you!

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Yes that makes a huge difference for me. Glad you had success!

[@clifforddalton3067]

What is the benefit of throwing both `clay coming towards you` and `clay going away from you? I've never tried throwing on the left side as opposed to the right hand side. Re- counter-clockwise wheel.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I think it would all be a preference vs a benefit. Mainly the way you learn or the fact that you’re left handed or right handed

[@clifforddalton3067]

@@MatthewKellyPottery ah ok, when I'm well enough I will try it anyway. Thanks for your input

[@LThrale]

how do you know what speed to turn the wheel?

[@nbks6w8]

How do you trim that? Just smooth out the foot a bit??? You’ve inspired me to make a giant “party” bowl!!! Thank you..

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I didn’t trim it, just smoothies out the foot a bit.

[@Rabidavid]

Do you listen to music, while throwing? Or is the music added afterwards when editing?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

The music is added in editing. I usually listen to podcasts more than music while I’m throwing.

[@julipolito7761]

Matthew, did you throw on plastic? How do you dry evenly?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

That was thrown on masonite. Drying evenly mainly comes down to the atmosphere in the room. There are many factors like temperature, moisture in the air, air movement, etc. Some things require being covered to dry evenly but that also depends on the other atmosphere conditions. Drying slow by being covered with plastic is always safer than not, but usually I do not cover my pieces to dry.

[@clifforddalton3067]

now you have that amazing pugmill Matt, do you still wedge? does it de-air also?

[@Rabidavid]

What type of clay do you use? What is the difference between what you're using and red terracotta / clay?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I use high fire clays from Highwater and Starworks. Terra-cotta is an earthenware clay which means that it matures at a much lower temperature than what I use.

[@clifforddalton3067]

So strange to see you without glasses, the laser treatment worked then? having your seat `level` with the wheel head, is that the ideal positioning?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Yes the LASIK has been amazing. It will be a year on February 2nd! I change the level of the wheel depending what I’m making but I keep it hat level for most things.

[@zarouszz]

My arms are tired just watchin. Great looking form. I dunno if I woulda risked moving it so soon for fear of flexing it. Any secrets for slow drying a piece that large? Maybe you have an east coast advantage. Since I'm west coast, I'm always trying to slow down drying due to low humidity.

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Thanks. That bowl definitely had some thickness to it that allowed me to move it promptly. Covering any piece lightly with thin plastic is a great way to slow down the drying. Mostly the weather (moisture in the air and temperature) has a huge effect on how quickly pieces dry.

[@Dimpy2003AJ]

maybe a humidifier would help you with drying too fast

[@sharkbait6558]

What brand pottery wheel do you use

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I have a Brent CXC and a Pacifica GT400

[@clifforddalton3067]

I was wondering why ball no.4 was so much more difficult to center than all the others?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

Not sure, probably getting low on energy. I’ll watch it back and think about it.

[@ginagypsy_creations8634]

What clay do you use brand & grog or non ?

[@ginagypsy_creations8634]

Should add phenomenal piece! 💫🤍

[@sea_hous]

Do you have a follow up photo? Do you think this would be strong enough to to use as a bird bath on base?

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I do have the finished bowl but I’m not a huge fan of the bowl so I never showed it. Haha

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

It probably could be used for that but it’s a bit deep

[@shelleydoxtdator753]

Are you sure your wheel is going to be big enough? 😳

[@rationalrealist6086]

It’s my opinion that you have used far too much water for a vessel of this size. Also, although you subconsciously compress the rim, you don’t mention that specifically

[@kukuucka]

How the heck you trim this monster? :D

[@MatthewKellyPottery]

I didn’t trim it but yes that would be a big task

[@516throwapot]

that bowl is big but its not centered dude

[@sassyanne88]

Jo Smith, I want to see your 25 lbs 23" bowl videos... put a link here to your amazing videos. You are either an off the chart amazing potter or you don't know shit.