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Turning a Bowl 

To see a large version of the thumbnails below, just click on the thumbnail you want to see.

 

Placing the Pugged Clay

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Leib first places the "pugged" clay (from which the air has been removed by a kneading machine) on the wheel. (It is necessary to remove the air in order to prevent air bubbles from being formed in the final product.)

 

Centering the Clay

Next, Leib starts the wheel turning and centers the clay on the wheel with her hands. When the clay offers no more resistance to her hands and spins without a wobble, the clay is centered.

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Opening the Bowl

When the clay is centered, Leib begins to open it as the first step in forming the bowl.

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Pulling the Bowl

After the bowl is opened, Leib begins to "pull" it into a rough bowl-like shape. It is important to ensure that the bowl remains uniformly thick at this point in the process.

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Trimming the Bowl

After pulling, it is time to trim.

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Shaping the Bowl

Next comes the shaping. It is here where the characteristics of the bowl will be heavily influenced. Note that it is important to keep the bowl wet and workable during this process.

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Cutting the Bowl Free

When the bowl is formed to her satisfaction, Leib cuts it free from the wheel.

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After a short drying time, Leib will turn the bowl over and form the bottom edge on the wheel. The bowl will then be ready for optional carving, and then the Bisque firing.

 

Cutting and Shaping Tools

Leib's cutting and shaping tools are shown below:

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