Flow and the Movement of Clay: What I learned from a weeklong pottery class in Denmark

I have been throwing pots for 35 years. During a week-long course in Copenhagen, I recently learned that for 35 years I have been throwing wrong, fundamentally wrong. Because I’ve always tried to shape the clay and bend the clay to my will. At the Tortus Studio (recently moved to London), Eric Landon teaches that the clay will go to all the right places, if you just allow it.

Eric’s mantra is: less effort to make something lighter, stronger and more beautiful.

He teaches opening and expanding the clay, to orient the clay material and all its molecules in a singular direction, before making a pull. He says that if the work to prep the clay is done properly, before doing any pulls, the clay will never go off center. Cone the clay. Lift it up and expand it. Align all the molecules and don’t rush. Wait until the clay is sufficiently coned before moving on. Don’t force. Don’t pinch. Fold the clay over and between fingers during the pull.

Keep it dynamic and the clay will find its way. The result will be a more uniform, balanced, stronger and more resilient piece. These lessons transcend clay, feeding into the essence of guidework.