Using an Oversized Bat
Robert made his own “oversized” bats to go on to his Shimpo potter’s wheel. In this image, he is lowering the bat onto the pinned wheel head.
Wedged Clay put on to Wheel head
110 pounds of soft plastic clay is dropped on the wheel, as close to the center as possible.
Using Body Weight
Using his body weight, Robert works the clay out to the desired diameter and leaves the suggestion of a well.
Raising The Walls
Bringing the form out is the most stressful part, using his right arm as a pivot point on his right leg, helps when strength is not sufficient.
Walls Are Up
Throwing the piece is not as difficult as trimming the “galley”, where the glass sits. To trim the form it must be flipped over onto its rim, while still leather hard.
Adding Surface Texture
Once the neck is added to the body, legs are attached and the whole form is textured. The exterior of these pieces is left unglazed, however, a line glaze is applied to insure a water-tight finish.