Why coiling is the best method to build tall and big pottery vessels.
Coiling is one of three hand-building methods in the practice of pottery – the other two are slab-building and pinching. Coiling is by far the best method for creating sturdy pots, particularly if you want to go BIG.
Many beginner potters think the only way to create a perfectly round pot is by wheel throwing, but that’s not true. You can create a beautifully round vessel from coils. All it takes is a little patience, controlled drying of the piece to the leather hard stage, some scraping with a kidney, some paddling with a wooden spoon and a bit of elbow grease to burnish.
AND, hand-building is much more creatively satisfying than wheel thrown work of this size. I’m not saying wheel is not fun, it is, but it’s instant gratification. A hand-built piece receives so much more love, so much more of your unique imprint.
Why not give it a try? Join a class at The Thrown Room Pottery in Constantia.
Click on the link to find out about class times and costs.
https://www.thethrownroompottery.co.za/classes
These hand-built coiled jugs stand about 40cm high and they are just about as round as I’d achieve on the wheel.