I’ve been wanting to take a wheel-throwing pottery class for a while, so I was glad the timing worked out to try it. Making pottery is a challenging and rewarding craft, and the work of local artists always inspires me.
Taking a one-time pottery class would be an excellent way to test if it’s something you want to commit to, and then there are 6-8 week classes to dive into advanced techniques and practice your skills. Plus, there are a lot of studio options in Austin.
Keep reading to learn more about the process and where you can take a class.
Pottery Class Process
It took a long process – several months and visits – to get the final product, but it was a fun time. Here’s how it went.
In the wheel throwing class, I learned how to throw the wheel on and shape the vessel. It takes a proper stance, synchronicity, and patience. The instructor gave us some pointers and we spent most of the time creating. For me, I didn’t quite know what shape I was aiming for, but I knew they would probably end up being for plants. In the three hours, we were to create four vessels.
After drying, the pots were fired in the kiln. Three of my vessels made it. Sometimes they don’t if the bottom or sides are too thin. Two weeks later, I went back to glaze (add the color) them. It’s hard to see what the final color will look like, but the rule of thumb is to do several coats. As you can see in the final results, the spots I tried to add to the green and pink pots didn’t quite show up.
After drying again, they go back into the kiln for a final firing. After a few weeks, I picked up the pots and bought some new plants to go in them!
Pottery Studios in Austin
Wheel-throwing pottery can seem hard at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. You’ll take something home, even if it’s a bit lopsided. So, pottery is great for beginners, and there are many options if you want to make it a long-term hobby.
One-time classes range from $65-100 per person. If you want to further your skills, some studios provide a 6 or 8-week class that ranges from $250-395.
Here are some studios in Austin:
- Austin Pottery
- Brave Ceramics
- Broad Studios
- The Contemporary Austin
- East Side Pot Shop
- Feats of Clay Pottery
- Mud Studio
I made my pottery at Round Rock Community Clay, a good option for anyone in North Austin.
If you want to work with clay but not on a wheel, check out ATX Kiln Club for pottery events.
Whether it’s making pottery or some other creative endeavor, I think everyone needs time to exercise their creativity and work with their hands. Give it a try!
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