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YouTube

Functional vs Sculptural - Large Angular Bowl Throwing, Glazing, and Reduction Firing

Florian Gadsby via YouTube

Overview

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Learn the complete pottery process from clay preparation to finished ceramic piece in this 27-minute video tutorial by master potter Florian Gadsby. Follow the entire journey of creating large angular bowls with tall pedestal feet, starting with mixing reclaimed clay and centering a 4kg lump on the wheel. Master essential throwing techniques including opening the bowl, pulling up walls, and creating distinctive rim indentations. Discover professional trimming methods to achieve clean, sculptural forms and understand the critical bisque firing process using an electric kiln. Explore advanced glazing techniques including proper foot waxing, glaze application, and cleanup methods for achieving smooth finishes. Witness the dramatic reduction firing process in a Rohde gas kiln at 1290°C, learning about kiln packing strategies and temperature management. Experience the anticipation and reveal of opening the kiln to discover the final transformed pieces. Gain insights into the artistic decision-making process behind functional versus sculptural pottery design, understanding how form and function intersect in contemporary ceramics. Perfect for intermediate to advanced pottery enthusiasts seeking to refine their wheel throwing, glazing, and firing techniques while exploring the creative possibilities of large-scale ceramic work.

Syllabus

0:00 - Introduction
1:40 - Preparing my clay, mixing soft reclaim & hard stuff from a bag
2:45 - Centring the 4 kg lump of clay & throwing the bowl
3:23 - Opening up the bowl & pulling up the walls
6:28 - Indenting the rim & scraping off slip
8:25 - Quickly drying the bowls
8:47 - Trimming the bowls
11:37 - PAPERBACK ANNOUNCEMENT
13:51 - A cross section of a bowl
14:17 - Packing the electric kiln for a bisque firing
15:18 - Waxing the bowl's foot
15:58 - Glazing the bowl
17:37 - Tidying up the glazed shape
21:34 - Packing my gas kiln & reduction firing it
24:30 - Unpacking the kiln
24:51 - THE FINISHED BOWL

Taught by

Florian Gadsby

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