I am a high school art teacher who just now happened upon this video/ channel, and this is the BEST centering video I've ever seen! It is so helpful! The craziest part of it all is that 99% of this is what I teach my students, as many potters have different styles. Loved being able to see what NOT to do. Definitely will be using this video as a resource in my class!
Hands down the best video for centering. As a beginner, I usually take over 5-7 minutes to center. But after watching this video, and understanding the mistakes I was making, I centered my pot within 2 minutes!
What a lovely way Florian has of expressing himself, so clear and also so kindly. I will watch this again in my car just before class next week. I especially loved his final words about, don’t worry, just make pots, even lumpy wobbly ones…. What an encouraging teacher.
I still have the first pot I ever made. I was so proud of that! The experienced potters at the studio were so happy for me. I knew I’d found a home. That was >12 years ago and I now have my own studio. It does become an obsession!
This video made me cry for some reason? 😂 You’re so patient and kind. I just started my first ever pottery class and a more experienced friend pointed me here to get some basic tips on centering. I’m a huge perfectionist so this will definitely be an exercise in giving myself the time and grace to fail at something new. Thanks so much for making this! ❤ 😊
Not only are you a fantastic potter, your tutorials are gentle and encouraging. I've been throwing for quite a number of years and still found some gems in your video. Thank you!
I’m taking a ceramics class in my college semester, and I tried doing the wheel, I always never felt confident in the wheel but I wanna learn to use it. I did terrible the other day and watching this, I understood where I made my mistakes. And understood why my clay was really bad. Thank you so much for this! I learn so much from your videos
Oh man, I bought a pottery wheel after watching your video with Tom Scott and binging your channel. I just made my first successful bowl last night. Wish I had seen this before because it took me like 15 failed attempts first, haha. Definitely will try again today after watching this
Ah wonderful! Pleased to hear you liked the video with Tom Scott, it was such fun to film. Good luck potting, I really hope this video helps and thanks for watching, Charlie!
Soo yesterday I was at the studio alone and desperately tried to center my pieces and nothing worked. After regrouping myself I decided to watch this video just to get the basics straight again. And boy did this work!! Yesterday was good but today I freaking overdid myself 😂 so thank you!
After I watched this video I was able to center so much more easily. The "muscle" techniques I had been using unsuccessfully were replaced with the ease of leaning forward with braced arm and centering almost effortlessly using the base of my hand. It felt miraculous! Now I am working on coning the clay, which has proven to be more difficult for me to accomplish. Thank you, Florian. You saved me months of struggling to center.
"And soon you'll forget that you ever struggled centering'--love the encouraging ending! And thanks for this video my trainer sent me. Learnt lots on centering!
Florian all of your content is amazing. My son for his birthday told me he wanted to try and now we are absolutely hooked after going to our first lesson. We have since devoured your content and love your work. I want you to know just how much we appreciate you making videos for beginners like us and then also showing us just how far and amazing we can become (if only aspirationally, your work is just sooooo beautiful). Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I took a pottery class because of you. Thank you Floriran. I took the beginner stage a year after watching this, and I'm back to learn more for my first studio lesson.
This is an exceptional tutorial! I was never able to actually throw anything when I took a ceramics class but this demonstration has addressed all of the issues I had! I truly appreciate how much care you took in describing how everything should feel. The stoneware clay felt like sandpaper, I was pressing too hard on the wheel, I was centering for too long to get it perfect, and I turned my wheel too slowly in order to try to save myself from the sandpaper feeling. I really wonder if I could do it now. Can't wait for the next one!
I just watched this again a couple of months after the first time I saw it and there´s a lot of stuff that apparently didn´t really stick with me the first time. Definitely worth watching several times over the course of a couple months untill I get this centering down. All the details really help.
I can’t wait for your next video on pulling! As an intermediate potter I am still learning how to throw more consistently and refine my pulling skills. Thank you for these high quality videos.
Your videos are so precious and soothing to watch. They allow me to learn pottery in a way that caters to my needs and my learning pace. I gratefully appreciate that you leave out all the noisy nonsense (music, intros and bling-bling stuff etc) and unusefull chit-chat other people's videos often display but focus on essential information instead. Your explanations are incredibly precise, well-structured and didactically superb. Thank you so much for sharing and please keep going, it's immeasurably valuable and helpful!
This is one of the best centering videos I have watched! I’m a amateur potter and have been struggling with centering my clay but this tutorial really helped me understand the fundamentals of this craft. Thanks!!!
Spectacular video. I learned more watching it than at my beginner's class today because the teacher - who is fantastic - didn't go over so many important details. I’m going to watch it a few times before my next class. Huge thanks for making and posting this video!!
I tried this process yesterday for the first time before watching this amazing guide. I’ve done all the mistakes and this really helped me understand a lot. Can’t wait to go home and try it your way!
thank you for your video, I am a beginner potter who haven't been able to properly center a piece of clay yet, the frustration is accumulating, after watched your video, I can't wait to try it out next time when I am on wheel. also really appreciate your last part of the video, it calmed me. To start a new craft, our eyes are always "higher" than our hands, we forget that it takes lots and lots of practice to get better. thank you for reminding me that.
I love your videos and recommend them to my students often. they are so precise and clear. after 40 years of throwing I can still learn things from you! I also love the fact you pass on the knowledge for free. Congratulations!!
I am a beginner and I have just started watching your videos, and i cannot stress enough how lucky I feel to have such amazing tutorials in hand! Thank you so much, your videos are great :)
Thank you so much!! I'm in my first days of throwing and it is such a relief to hear that you do not have to center perfectly. Spending 5 minutes of centering feels like it is too much, nice to hear that it really is so :) And I think you saved my little finger's skin, I was so protective of clay not to run away to sides, that I was rubbing my finger to the metal quite hard :D
This is an exceptional tutorial. Thanks for sharing your expertise! It’s also well shot, well paced, and narrated beautifully. This makes digesting all the information so much easier, and enjoyable. Love your channel!
As someone who has been working with clay once a week at a pottery class, I still struggle with centring. Part of the problem is that I have developed some sort of painful tendonitis in my left hand (possibly caused by poor technique); the other part is that my technique still needs work. This video has been very helpful ... I feel like I want to have it playing on the screen directly in front of the wheel as I'm doing it! I also appreciate where you say (I'm paraphrasing) to go ahead and just try to make a pot, even if it is wobbly; it is an encouraging message to leave with those of us who haven't yet mastered centring ...
When I was a teenager i would follow a rockstar or a tennis player, now i follow you!!!!! Thank you a lot for your inspiring work and sharing your knowledge ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you so much Florian. I had some practice today with a full size wheel and was really struggling with centering. Even though I’ve been using a mini wheel with not much difficulty.. So it felt extra frustrating. But after your video I’m realizing I think the clay I was working with was simply too firm. All of your suggestions for subtle changes were rather revolutionary to me. Thank you again for your in depth explanations.
You are such a blessing to the pottery world. Thank you for everything you do. From your beautiful pieces/creations to the extremely helpful (and gently spoken) information that you share. A true gift.
As a beginner to throwing, I still find this step difficult! It can get super frustrating, but you’re right! Just finish the piece, however wobbly or uneven, because it plants the seed and you’ll get better with practice :)
It comes with time really-my centring wasn't perfect before I started making any pots. But as you learn to control the walls and form the base and so on, those skills are directly transferable into centring the clay itself, so it's all helpful. Thanks for watching!
We fell in love with the work of a potter while in vacation last year, to the point we have invested in all the equipment and made room for all of that in our garage to start this adventure. All the knowledge you put out is a true treasure, i thank you deeply for sharing this! hats off :)
This is wonderful! I'm not going to start throwing pots any time soon, but I can tell how helpful this would be. Thanks for being so specific - I know that can be really hard to do when you've been doing something as second nature for a long time! Seriously, showing all the problems that can happen, and not just taking about them? Amazing!
Chiming in to agree - Florian’s videos are superior. I will be starting my first pottery class in a few weeks, and am so grateful to have these videos to prepare me.
thank you! i did my first workshop yesterday and struggled to remember the steps at times so this was really useful to consolidate and re-confirm what i was doing and why have signed up to a 6 week course at my local studio. your last few words was really comforting as i felt i was a bit 'behind' the other beginners in my class. will definitely check your other videos to help do some mental 'homework' too!
Thank you so much!! I have been struggling with centering and my teachers never told me most of what you said. I understand so much better now. I can’t wait to try it!! You are an excellent teacher!! Thank you!
You guys are not gonna find anyone else that is good like he is I learned a lot like I can even center air clay now look at me... Woot woot thanks to him...
I just got my first wheel this winter and finalllly it is warm enough in my garage to start using it. I have watched Soo many videos but I stilll don’t know where to start. I will start with these videos you have made. I LOVE your work and I’m so grateful that you have made these videos for beginners!! Thank you. This is so incredibly in depth! It is sooo helpful. Thank you again!!!
I wish this video was out when I was first on the wheel! You talk about so many problems I encountered and how to avoid them. I'm taking another ceramic class and I'm determined to get better results this time around. Thank you for this video!
Very useful, indeed! Your detailed, clear and specific technique tips are spot on; thank you for knowing not only how to throw, but how to TEACH how to throw. High school ceramics teacher here: keep up the fantastic tutorials.
Thank you for making this video! I started pottery recently. Only had two classes so far. I thought I'd have fun but it's been more frustrating than anything else. I want to like it but it is so difficult for me. There were so many things in this video that I wish I knew when I started. Each time I'd do something wrong the pottery instructor would just take completely over and I never learned how to do these steps myself. Hopefully this video will help me prepare for the next class!
Hi Florian! Marvellous and thank you. Your teaching, skills and documentary are the best. I threw my first 3 pots in a class. The pots are indeed thick walls, slightly irregular etc.. I have thrown for a couple of hours now and all your points I can understand. SO it's good to throw and then re-watch your video. I have set up a small shed studio so I can practice and do my own thing. Once I felt how the clay is living in your hands, surprise. I've been a graphic designer 35 years so this form of creativity is pleasing and satisfying. 🌟 T H A N K Y O U 🌟
I just pottering. just completed my 4th lesson and centering is hardest but the joy when it finally comes together, was exhilarating. Thank you for the wonderful tips🎉
Thank you for this video...I am beginning my first wheel throwing class and just got back from the centering class. It was very difficult, but it was nice to hear you reiterate it in a calming voice. I will be practicing and using some of your tips!
such a great tutorial, thank you so much! I've been into pottery since my middle school years - for some reason (limited funding, I guess), we only had these very old-school mechanical wheels that you have to push with your leg... pottery is hard enough for a clumsy teenager, so this made it nearly impossible. so, I got into pottery again five years ago or so and was stunned at first by now much easier pottery is with a *normal* wheel. however, at some point I ended up being frustrated by how hard it is to make your pots perfect even without the need to push the wheel with your leg... so I gave up again now, I'm giving it another try; so thank you once again for these tutorials, and for urging to follow through with the first pots, however imperfect these might be. I really needed to hear that!
I’m starting my first ever 6 week pottery class tomorrow and found your videos in preparation :) A huge thank you on the note to not getting wrapped up in being too perfect…I can let the perfection get in the way of the learning process. Thanks for the reminder to have fun!
Thank you so much! I am taking a ceramics class for school right now and I've pretty much resorted to just teaching myself. This was super informative and I will definitely be using the techniques you have shown here
I had my first try at pottery today. It was a Christmas pressie from last year. Also to cross it off my bucket list. I was the girl’s first student and she got a good word from her boss for teaching me to make a really nice lathering bowl for my shaving. The sides were not too thick and the side was smooth. The expression on her face was so cute. She was so pleased for me. My second and third attempts at centering it entirely on my own though, were a disaster lol. I ended up with a pathetic little thing that looked like a very small cream jug. They are currently waiting for painting and firing. The boss and the young teacher girl were surprised at how calm I was when disaster struck ha ha. I was really wanting the experience of trying it. That was the most important thing about why I was there, but I’m really chuffed at how well the first bowl turned out.
I don’t know if you’re intentionally making ASMR videos, but your voice is very nice. Your videography is pleasant as well. I’ve been watching your videos before I go to bed. They don’t put me sleep, because I’m enjoying the lesson. However, your videos are very relaxing. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Lynda! I never thought I'd fill that niche but surprisingly I get people messaging me all the time saying they watch my videos before they got o bed. 😬 Very much appreciate you taking the time to watch.
The last comment at the end - its ok if your first pots are chunky, just get some pots done is super helpful. I'm just finished the 5th class. I think its also good to note, that sometimes if you have problems its the clay! My instructor traded out some of my clay that I purchased because it wasn't mixed well. :P
Florian you are the best! This video shows how passionate you are about pottery and this gets really contagious! I am now in my first wheel throwing classes, and after watching your video I'm sure I'll do it with more confidence. Thank you so much for your guidance!
EXCELLENT! I have my own personal logo on my computer and your idea of using pencil carbon on the back side of a piece of paper (like the old carbon copy paper) made me think of just holding a piece of tissue paper to my monitor, tracing my logo, then using that to carve out the plaster. Using plaster this way to help make the mark is BRILLIANT!
This is an incredibly helpful video. I am soon to take my third lesson as a beginner and centering is so challenging for me. I feel like I am better equipped to take on my next pot. Thank you!
Thank you for making this video in such details.😃 I had always wanted to ask about the side of left hand against the wheel head! I am glad to finally have the answer. 👍🏻
I just began my journey learning this skill and your uploads help me a lot. It is true, centering the clay is difficult at first. My gf is pretty good at it so she helps me, but these videos are invaluable as you help me learn the nuances of how to do certain things. Thank you! You earned a sub.
Wowwww thank you!! I've watched several videos. I am a beginner and of course the centering and the rise of the clay are not easy. You have such a way of breaking down the gestures and thinking of the smallest details in your explanations that you allow us to clear up any misunderstandings of gestures or operation (recycling of clay for example). I don't speak very good English but despite everything I understand really well. The aesthetics of your videos, your pedagogy and the calm of your voice do a world of good! (Thank you for not putting on elevator music 😉) And congratulations on your wonderful work!!
i just made my first bowl... cup... thing. this was magnificent, the experience plus your video is educational. i do recommend people buy clay intended for pointless play, sometimes the goal stands in the way of learning.
Thank you for the thorough tutorial video and for going over all in detail. I have found very good tips in your video that will help me to center it properly as I have been making these mistakes and get frustrated all the time.
Attempted to throw this week for the first time and ruined every lump of clay I touched and tore the skin off my right hand. The teacher didn’t discuss anything like you did in this video. Can’t wait to try again equipped with this knowledge. Thank you 🥲
I have been watching videos and trying to center for a week and this video touched on and explained every issue I've had and every question I've asked. Thank you SO much.
I tried throwing for the first time recently and I just couldn't get it. Now I know why!! Thank you so very much for this video, I am now very excited to try my hand at it again ;)
This is a wonderful tutorial. I know nothing about pottery other than the finished product - but now feel confident to take a class. Something I have always wanted to do. Beautifully filmed and narrated Thank you Florian.
I like Isekai and Time-Travel so i wonder oddly-specific this: Whats the best production-method for porcellan that is do-able if you get transported with modern knowledge into ancient Time??
Thank you so much for this Florian! I've properly injured myself with my incorrect form. This is really in depth and thorough, looking forward to the next ones
Thank you for taking the time to show us how to centre. I especially like the part where you show us how not to do a technique as it really helps in understanding what the clay would do. Please keep these videos coming.
Thank you so so much for these detailed videos. I am just starting out in my pottery journey and it is so incredibly helpful to be able to review the process at home, with such detailed explanation and seen from so many angles. Being able to make something beautiful and useful out of a lump of earth is just pure soul food. Loving it so far :)
Oh dear me… I can testify that you can definitely wear away the skin of your hand from pushing down too hard. I’m dealing with that right now. I watched some videos earlier and thought I needed to be as low down as physically possible so I spent several hours with that sound, that grey metal residue coming off everywhere and left with a bruised and now scabby hand. Thanks for letting me know I’m doing it wrong and that I can stop being a masochist just to learn how to center. Hopefully next week goes a little nicer
The best video I have seen on centreing. Thank you for the encouraging words at the end, that is what I need to hear, at this early stage of my potting adventure.
Your videos are brilliant, so informative and well-paced, even the short clean up sections at the end! As a beginner, there are a million videos to weed through and the learning curve can feel overwhelming but your approach is calming, yet thorough. And of course the resulting vessels reflect that quality. Thanks for taking the time.
This video is amazingly well done and informative. I will watch it over and over again. Thank you for taking the time to share all of these crucial details. You are inspiring so many people to put their hands to clay.
I am a high school art teacher who just now happened upon this video/ channel, and this is the BEST centering video I've ever seen! It is so helpful! The craziest part of it all is that 99% of this is what I teach my students, as many potters have different styles. Loved being able to see what NOT to do. Definitely will be using this video as a resource in my class!
Same here, high school art teacher :) this must be the best, most useful tutorial I've encountered. Superb teacher and talented he is.
Awesome texture like this video
Good teacher
Thank you, this video is totally helpful!
Holy anticapitalism lol sorry gone nutz but luv this video
Hands down the best video for centering. As a beginner, I usually take over 5-7 minutes to center. But after watching this video, and understanding the mistakes I was making, I centered my pot within 2 minutes!
What a lovely way Florian has of expressing himself, so clear and also so kindly. I will watch this again in my car just before class next week. I especially loved his final words about, don’t worry, just make pots, even lumpy wobbly ones…. What an encouraging teacher.
I still have the first pot I ever made. I was so proud of that! The experienced potters at the studio were so happy for me. I knew I’d found a home. That was >12 years ago and I now have my own studio. It does become an obsession!
Please share your Insta page if possible
👍
@@rajshrisingh9378 pvPppp mi
Lovely video stay connected
I'm beginning my journey now and loving it. Signing up for more classes next week.
I am a potter of over 30 yrs and your demonstrations are very good. This is what I teach in one of my lives, I am also a trained event professional.
This video made me cry for some reason? 😂 You’re so patient and kind. I just started my first ever pottery class and a more experienced friend pointed me here to get some basic tips on centering. I’m a huge perfectionist so this will definitely be an exercise in giving myself the time and grace to fail at something new. Thanks so much for making this! ❤ 😊
Not only are you a fantastic potter, your tutorials are gentle and encouraging. I've been throwing for quite a number of years and still found some gems in your video. Thank you!
I’m taking a ceramics class in my college semester, and I tried doing the wheel, I always never felt confident in the wheel but I wanna learn to use it. I did terrible the other day and watching this, I understood where I made my mistakes. And understood why my clay was really bad. Thank you so much for this! I learn so much from your videos
Oh man, I bought a pottery wheel after watching your video with Tom Scott and binging your channel. I just made my first successful bowl last night. Wish I had seen this before because it took me like 15 failed attempts first, haha. Definitely will try again today after watching this
Ah wonderful! Pleased to hear you liked the video with Tom Scott, it was such fun to film. Good luck potting, I really hope this video helps and thanks for watching, Charlie!
I love this video! My favourite part? “Soon you’ll forget that you ever struggled on centering clay”. Thanks for this!
Soo yesterday I was at the studio alone and desperately tried to center my pieces and nothing worked. After regrouping myself I decided to watch this video just to get the basics straight again. And boy did this work!! Yesterday was good but today I freaking overdid myself 😂 so thank you!
After I watched this video I was able to center so much more easily. The "muscle" techniques I had been using unsuccessfully were replaced with the ease of leaning forward with braced arm and centering almost effortlessly using the base of my hand. It felt miraculous! Now I am working on coning the clay, which has proven to be more difficult for me to accomplish. Thank you, Florian. You saved me months of struggling to center.
"And soon you'll forget that you ever struggled centering'--love the encouraging ending! And thanks for this video my trainer sent me. Learnt lots on centering!
Florian all of your content is amazing. My son for his birthday told me he wanted to try and now we are absolutely hooked after going to our first lesson. We have since devoured your content and love your work. I want you to know just how much we appreciate you making videos for beginners like us and then also showing us just how far and amazing we can become (if only aspirationally, your work is just sooooo beautiful). Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I took a pottery class because of you. Thank you Floriran. I took the beginner stage a year after watching this, and I'm back to learn more for my first studio lesson.
This is an exceptional tutorial! I was never able to actually throw anything when I took a ceramics class but this demonstration has addressed all of the issues I had! I truly appreciate how much care you took in describing how everything should feel. The stoneware clay felt like sandpaper, I was pressing too hard on the wheel, I was centering for too long to get it perfect, and I turned my wheel too slowly in order to try to save myself from the sandpaper feeling. I really wonder if I could do it now. Can't wait for the next one!
I just watched this again a couple of months after the first time I saw it and there´s a lot of stuff that apparently didn´t really stick with me the first time. Definitely worth watching several times over the course of a couple months untill I get this centering down. All the details really help.
I can’t wait for your next video on pulling! As an intermediate potter I am still learning how to throw more consistently and refine my pulling skills. Thank you for these high quality videos.
Thank you for the helpful video, and your kind words at the end 💖
Your videos are so precious and soothing to watch. They allow me to learn pottery in a way that caters to my needs and my learning pace. I gratefully appreciate that you leave out all the noisy nonsense (music, intros and bling-bling stuff etc) and unusefull chit-chat other people's videos often display but focus on essential information instead. Your explanations are incredibly precise, well-structured and didactically superb. Thank you so much for sharing and please keep going, it's immeasurably valuable and helpful!
Very well explained! As my math teacher used to say “you used the right words in the right way” !
This is one of the best centering videos I have watched! I’m a amateur potter and have been struggling with centering my clay but this tutorial really helped me understand the fundamentals of this craft. Thanks!!!
Spectacular video. I learned more watching it than at my beginner's class today because the teacher - who is fantastic - didn't go over so many important details. I’m going to watch it a few times before my next class. Huge thanks for making and posting this video!!
Thank you so much! I am in a beginner's class. The teacher is so-so. I am learning what I need from yours and other's videos. Lifesavers!!!!
The wealth of info here and the expert presentation is really beyond measure. Kudos
I tried this process yesterday for the first time before watching this amazing guide. I’ve done all the mistakes and this really helped me understand a lot. Can’t wait to go home and try it your way!
thank you for your video, I am a beginner potter who haven't been able to properly center a piece of clay yet, the frustration is accumulating, after watched your video, I can't wait to try it out next time when I am on wheel. also really appreciate your last part of the video, it calmed me. To start a new craft, our eyes are always "higher" than our hands, we forget that it takes lots and lots of practice to get better. thank you for reminding me that.
I love your videos and recommend them to my students often. they are so precise and clear. after 40 years of throwing I can still learn things from you! I also love the fact you pass on the knowledge for free. Congratulations!!
Outstanding instruction. I started throwing clay only two days ago (1:6 scale for ultra realistic mini foods) and your videos are extremely helpful.
I am a beginner and I have just started watching your videos, and i cannot stress enough how lucky I feel to have such amazing tutorials in hand! Thank you so much, your videos are great :)
Thank you so much!! I'm in my first days of throwing and it is such a relief to hear that you do not have to center perfectly. Spending 5 minutes of centering feels like it is too much, nice to hear that it really is so :)
And I think you saved my little finger's skin, I was so protective of clay not to run away to sides, that I was rubbing my finger to the metal quite hard :D
This is an exceptional tutorial. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
It’s also well shot, well paced, and narrated beautifully. This makes digesting all the information so much easier, and enjoyable.
Love your channel!
Omg he is the best one out on RUclips for pottery stuff... He can be a teacher
Exceptional tutorial indeed. So clearly explained and all bases covered.
These are the BEST videos. The tone and pace of his voice …chefs kiss
It is nice to see someone taking this Craft seriously. I wish you well for your future endeavours
As someone who has been working with clay once a week at a pottery class, I still struggle with centring. Part of the problem is that I have developed some sort of painful tendonitis in my left hand (possibly caused by poor technique); the other part is that my technique still needs work. This video has been very helpful ... I feel like I want to have it playing on the screen directly in front of the wheel as I'm doing it! I also appreciate where you say (I'm paraphrasing) to go ahead and just try to make a pot, even if it is wobbly; it is an encouraging message to leave with those of us who haven't yet mastered centring ...
When I was a teenager i would follow a rockstar or a tennis player, now i follow you!!!!! Thank you a lot for your inspiring work and sharing your knowledge ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you so much Florian. I had some practice today with a full size wheel and was really struggling with centering. Even though I’ve been using a mini wheel with not much difficulty.. So it felt extra frustrating. But after your video I’m realizing I think the clay I was working with was simply too firm.
All of your suggestions for subtle changes were rather revolutionary to me. Thank you again for your in depth explanations.
To me this is the most interesting & useful thing I have ever viewed on RUclips! Sincerely thankful to you for sharing. Very well demonstrated, too.
You are such a blessing to the pottery world. Thank you for everything you do. From your beautiful pieces/creations to the extremely helpful (and gently spoken) information that you share. A true gift.
You are a gift to this community. Thank you for all your wonderful videos with clear guidance and tips !!!
As someone who struggles with centering, this video is so helpful, thank you :)
As a beginner to throwing, I still find this step difficult! It can get super frustrating, but you’re right! Just finish the piece, however wobbly or uneven, because it plants the seed and you’ll get better with practice :)
It comes with time really-my centring wasn't perfect before I started making any pots. But as you learn to control the walls and form the base and so on, those skills are directly transferable into centring the clay itself, so it's all helpful. Thanks for watching!
@@floriangadsby Thank you! You've been an immense help on my journey! Can't wait for the following detailed guide!
We fell in love with the work of a potter while in vacation last year, to the point we have invested in all the equipment and made room for all of that in our garage to start this adventure. All the knowledge you put out is a true treasure, i thank you deeply for sharing this! hats off :)
This is wonderful! I'm not going to start throwing pots any time soon, but I can tell how helpful this would be. Thanks for being so specific - I know that can be really hard to do when you've been doing something as second nature for a long time!
Seriously, showing all the problems that can happen, and not just taking about them? Amazing!
Chiming in to agree - Florian’s videos are superior. I will be starting my first pottery class in a few weeks, and am so grateful to have these videos to prepare me.
thank you! i did my first workshop yesterday and struggled to remember the steps at times so this was really useful to consolidate and re-confirm what i was doing and why
have signed up to a 6 week course at my local studio. your last few words was really comforting as i felt i was a bit 'behind' the other beginners in my class. will definitely check your other videos to help do some mental 'homework' too!
Thank you so much!! I have been struggling with centering and my teachers never told me most of what you said. I understand so much better now.
I can’t wait to try it!!
You are an excellent teacher!!
Thank you!
You guys are not gonna find anyone else that is good like he is I learned a lot like I can even center air clay now look at me... Woot woot thanks to him...
I just got my first wheel this winter and finalllly it is warm enough in my garage to start using it. I have watched Soo many videos but I stilll don’t know where to start. I will start with these videos you have made. I LOVE your work and I’m so grateful that you have made these videos for beginners!! Thank you. This is so incredibly in depth! It is sooo helpful. Thank you again!!!
I wish this video was out when I was first on the wheel! You talk about so many problems I encountered and how to avoid them. I'm taking another ceramic class and I'm determined to get better results this time around. Thank you for this video!
Very useful, indeed! Your detailed, clear and specific technique tips are spot on; thank you for knowing not only how to throw, but how to TEACH how to throw. High school ceramics teacher here: keep up the fantastic tutorials.
Thank you very much Alisa - that really means a lot.Thanks for teaching the next generation 🙌🏼
I've just recently started working with a pottery wheel & I can't tell you how elucidating this has been
Thank you for making this video! I started pottery recently. Only had two classes so far. I thought I'd have fun but it's been more frustrating than anything else. I want to like it but it is so difficult for me.
There were so many things in this video that I wish I knew when I started. Each time I'd do something wrong the pottery instructor would just take completely over and I never learned how to do these steps myself. Hopefully this video will help me prepare for the next class!
Hi Florian! Marvellous and thank you. Your teaching, skills and documentary are the best. I threw my first 3 pots in a class. The pots are indeed thick walls, slightly irregular etc.. I have thrown for a couple of hours now and all your points I can understand. SO it's good to throw and then re-watch your video. I have set up a small shed studio so I can practice and do my own thing. Once I felt how the clay is living in your hands, surprise. I've been a graphic designer 35 years so this form of creativity is pleasing and satisfying. 🌟 T H A N K Y O U 🌟
I just pottering. just completed my 4th lesson and centering is hardest but the joy when it finally comes together, was exhilarating. Thank you for the wonderful tips🎉
Thank you for this video...I am beginning my first wheel throwing class and just got back from the centering class. It was very difficult, but it was nice to hear you reiterate it in a calming voice. I will be practicing and using some of your tips!
i needed this!!!!! i've been struggling with centering so much and i was starting to feel defeated. this video literally answered every question i had
I agree completely!
such a great tutorial, thank you so much!
I've been into pottery since my middle school years - for some reason (limited funding, I guess), we only had these very old-school mechanical wheels that you have to push with your leg... pottery is hard enough for a clumsy teenager, so this made it nearly impossible.
so, I got into pottery again five years ago or so and was stunned at first by now much easier pottery is with a *normal* wheel. however, at some point I ended up being frustrated by how hard it is to make your pots perfect even without the need to push the wheel with your leg... so I gave up again
now, I'm giving it another try; so thank you once again for these tutorials, and for urging to follow through with the first pots, however imperfect these might be. I really needed to hear that!
I’m starting my first ever 6 week pottery class tomorrow and found your videos in preparation :) A huge thank you on the note to not getting wrapped up in being too perfect…I can let the perfection get in the way of the learning process. Thanks for the reminder to have fun!
Ah what fun! Good luck, those early stages are so captivating. Thanks for watching my videos and I really hope you enjoy it!
This is the best video I have seen about centering. Actually felt good to hear you saying the same things I say to my students. Thank you
Thank you so much! I am taking a ceramics class for school right now and I've pretty much resorted to just teaching myself. This was super informative and I will definitely be using the techniques you have shown here
I threw my first 2 pots today. (not in a class im learning at home) and Tomorrow I'm going to try these tips and see if my results will improve :)
I had my first try at pottery today. It was a Christmas pressie from last year. Also to cross it off my bucket list. I was the girl’s first student and she got a good word from her boss for teaching me to make a really nice lathering bowl for my shaving. The sides were not too thick and the side was smooth. The expression on her face was so cute. She was so pleased for me. My second and third attempts at centering it entirely on my own though, were a disaster lol. I ended up with a pathetic little thing that looked like a very small cream jug. They are currently waiting for painting and firing. The boss and the young teacher girl were surprised at how calm I was when disaster struck ha ha. I was really wanting the experience of trying it. That was the most important thing about why I was there, but I’m really chuffed at how well the first bowl turned out.
I don’t know if you’re intentionally making ASMR videos, but your voice is very nice. Your videography is pleasant as well. I’ve been watching your videos before I go to bed. They don’t put me sleep, because I’m enjoying the lesson. However, your videos are very relaxing. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Lynda! I never thought I'd fill that niche but surprisingly I get people messaging me all the time saying they watch my videos before they got o bed. 😬 Very much appreciate you taking the time to watch.
The last comment at the end - its ok if your first pots are chunky, just get some pots done is super helpful. I'm just finished the 5th class. I think its also good to note, that sometimes if you have problems its the clay! My instructor traded out some of my clay that I purchased because it wasn't mixed well. :P
the last comments are so wholesome brings me warmth in the heart❤
Thank you very much for taking this time to help those of us starting out. I really appreciate your clarity and patience.
I have spent 6 hrs on pottery, and i am facing everything you describe so far. Lol. I wish i saw your video before my first hr. Thanks for the video
Florian you are the best! This video shows how passionate you are about pottery and this gets really contagious! I am now in my first wheel throwing classes, and after watching your video I'm sure I'll do it with more confidence. Thank you so much for your guidance!
Very useful - making sure I brace my elbow against my body and pushing the cone forwards and down have made centering much quicker for me.
Honestly, thank you! Your peaceful voice and careful explanation has been helping me so much! Cheers from Brazil!
Thank you Elisa! That means a lot. Very appreciate you taking the time to watch. Good luck potting!
EXCELLENT! I have my own personal logo on my computer and your idea of using pencil carbon on the back side of a piece of paper (like the old carbon copy paper) made me think of just holding a piece of tissue paper to my monitor, tracing my logo, then using that to carve out the plaster. Using plaster this way to help make the mark is BRILLIANT!
This helped me so much! I am going to practice this on Friday during class.
This is an incredibly helpful video. I am soon to take my third lesson as a beginner and centering is so challenging for me. I feel like I am better equipped to take on my next pot. Thank you!
Thank you for making this video in such details.😃 I had always wanted to ask about the side of left hand against the wheel head! I am glad to finally have the answer. 👍🏻
can we just acknowledge how calming his voice is
I just began my journey learning this skill and your uploads help me a lot. It is true, centering the clay is difficult at first. My gf is pretty good at it so she helps me, but these videos are invaluable as you help me learn the nuances of how to do certain things. Thank you! You earned a sub.
Wowwww thank you!!
I've watched several videos.
I am a beginner and of course the centering and the rise of the clay are not easy.
You have such a way of breaking down the gestures and thinking of the smallest details in your explanations that you allow us to clear up any misunderstandings of gestures or operation (recycling of clay for example).
I don't speak very good English but despite everything I understand really well.
The aesthetics of your videos, your pedagogy and the calm of your voice do a world of good! (Thank you for not putting on elevator music 😉)
And congratulations on your wonderful work!!
i just made my first bowl... cup... thing. this was magnificent, the experience plus your video is educational. i do recommend people buy clay intended for pointless play, sometimes the goal stands in the way of learning.
Thank you for the thorough tutorial video and for going over all in detail. I have found very good tips in your video that will help me to center it properly as I have been making these mistakes and get frustrated all the time.
Attempted to throw this week for the first time and ruined every lump of clay I touched and tore the skin off my right hand. The teacher didn’t discuss anything like you did in this video. Can’t wait to try again equipped with this knowledge. Thank you 🥲
Wow! You are such a talented educator! Thank you so much for explaining and illustrating the WHY as well - that helps me a lot!
Thankyou for being so generous with your knowledge and time, given in your calm voice
I have been watching videos and trying to center for a week and this video touched on and explained every issue I've had and every question I've asked. Thank you SO much.
I tried throwing for the first time recently and I just couldn't get it. Now I know why!! Thank you so very much for this video, I am now very excited to try my hand at it again ;)
This is great video for any beginner like me. You went above, & beyond into every detail. Thanks so much, truly appreciate it. ❤
This is a wonderful tutorial. I know nothing about pottery other than the finished product - but now feel confident to take a class. Something I have always wanted to do. Beautifully filmed and narrated Thank you Florian.
Just had my first day at the wheel, this is a VERY helpful video, I look forward to more.
I like Isekai and Time-Travel so i wonder
oddly-specific this: Whats the best production-method for porcellan
that is do-able if you get transported with modern knowledge into ancient Time??
One of the best instructional videos I've ever seen, period. Well done! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this Florian! I've properly injured myself with my incorrect form. This is really in depth and thorough, looking forward to the next ones
Thank you for taking the time to show us how to centre. I especially like the part where you show us how not to do a technique as it really helps in understanding what the clay would do. Please keep these videos coming.
The best most comprehensive tutorial. Thank you!!! very helpful
Thank you so so much for these detailed videos. I am just starting out in my pottery journey and it is so incredibly helpful to be able to review the process at home, with such detailed explanation and seen from so many angles. Being able to make something beautiful and useful out of a lump of earth is just pure soul food. Loving it so far :)
Quite possibly the most informative video on this entire site; thank you for this.
Oh dear me… I can testify that you can definitely wear away the skin of your hand from pushing down too hard. I’m dealing with that right now. I watched some videos earlier and thought I needed to be as low down as physically possible so I spent several hours with that sound, that grey metal residue coming off everywhere and left with a bruised and now scabby hand. Thanks for letting me know I’m doing it wrong and that I can stop being a masochist just to learn how to center. Hopefully next week goes a little nicer
‘So’ welcome this level of detail Florian. Looking forward to the next one. Thankyou
The best video I have seen on centreing. Thank you for the encouraging words at the end, that is what I need to hear, at this early stage of my potting adventure.
Your videos are brilliant, so informative and well-paced, even the short clean up sections at the end! As a beginner, there are a million videos to weed through and the learning curve can feel overwhelming but your approach is calming, yet thorough. And of course the resulting vessels reflect that quality. Thanks for taking the time.
This video is amazingly well done and informative. I will watch it over and over again. Thank you for taking the time to share all of these crucial details. You are inspiring so many people to put their hands to clay.
Thank you for sharing your tips! This video is more helpful than all the classes I’ve attended.