Centering clay on a pottery wheel is the fundamental first step to successful throwing, ensuring the lump of clay is perfectly stable and positioned in the middle of the wheel head.
Understanding how to apply even, consistent pressure is key to making the clay rise and fall true. While the ultimate goal is universal – a stable, centered mass – it's worth knowing that probably every potter out there centers a little bit differently. We all follow a similar set of rules, but ultimately our hands are all different sizes and shapes, influencing the exact technique used.
The Goal of Centering
The purpose of centering is to transform a wobbly, uneven lump of clay into a symmetrical mass spinning smoothly on the wheel's axis. Without proper centering, any attempt to pull up walls or shape the clay will result in a lopsided or unstable form.
Understanding the Process and Variation
Centering relies on using the centrifugal force of the spinning wheel against firm, steady pressure from your hands and body. As mentioned, while the underlying principles are shared, the precise way a potter applies this pressure can vary significantly. This difference arises from individual body mechanics, hand size and shape, and accumulated personal experience. What works comfortably and effectively for one person might need slight adjustments for another.
Common Techniques for Centering
While variations exist, the core actions involve bracing your body and applying opposing forces to the clay. Here are the general steps and pressures commonly used:
- Prepare: Wet your hands and the surface of the clay thoroughly. Ensure the clay is firmly attached to the wheel head.
- Start the Wheel: Begin spinning the wheel at a moderate speed. Too slow won't generate enough centrifugal force; too fast can make control difficult for beginners.
- Brace Your Body: This is crucial for stability. Elbows should be anchored against your legs or the splash pan/wheel frame. Your body provides the necessary counter-pressure.
- Apply Sideways Pressure: Use the heel of one hand (often the left, if right-handed) pressed firmly into the side of the clay lump, just above the wheel head. This pushes the clay towards the center.
- Apply Downward Pressure: Simultaneously, use the heel or palm of your other hand (often the right) on top of the clay, pressing downwards. This compresses the clay and prevents it from rising too high or becoming unstable.
- Maintain Constant Pressure: Keep both the sideways and downward pressure steady and firm as the wheel continues to spin. You should feel the clay resist and eventually yield, becoming more centered.
- "Cone and Collapse" (Optional but helpful): Many potters use a technique of coning the clay (pushing it upwards into a cone shape using firm, inward pressure) and then collapsing it back down (applying downward pressure). Repeating this a few times helps align the clay particles and further center the mass.
- Refine: Once the clay looks and feels centered – spinning smoothly without any visible wobble – gradually ease off the pressure while maintaining hand contact briefly.
Key Tips for Success
- Stay Wet: Keeping your hands and the clay surface slick reduces friction and allows the clay to move smoothly.
- Use Your Body: Don't rely solely on hand strength. Anchor your elbows and use your body weight for stable pressure.
- Be Patient: Centering takes practice. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen immediately.
- Listen to the Clay: Pay attention to how the clay feels. If it's wobbling, it's not centered. Adjust your pressure based on the clay's movement.
- Start Small: Beginners often find it easier to center smaller amounts of clay (e.g., 1-2 lbs).
Remember, finding your own comfortable and effective centering method is part of the journey. Experiment with hand positions and pressures, keeping the core principles of stable bracing and even force application in mind, just as various potters adapt the similar rules to their own physical capabilities.
