Throwing pots from the inside out to create texture

Creating texture on the outside of vessels with Korean potter Kwak Kyung-Tae

I have seen this technique used in the past by potters but have never actually been shown the exact way to do it. As with most outcomes in ceramics there are probably many techniques that can be used but this is one extremely effective way to create outstanding texture on the outside of vessels.

I'm not going to give away all of Kwak Kyung-Tae's secrets as I haven't even had the chance to try the technique out for myself yet, but what I will tell you is that the type of clay you use is critical. During the international workshop in Icheon we have used about five different types of clay including porcelain, celadon, onngi clay and a couple of others. Of these there were only two types that could be stretched from the inside out using this technique without tearing. As you can imagine the pressure you use is absolutely critical given that you are not throwing against a finger on the outside of pot as you would normally do.

I am really looking forward to getting home and trailing a few of the local Australian clays to see how they go. As you can see from these couple of photos the results are outstanding when the technique works.

See more of Kwak Kyung-Tae's beautiful ceramics on his website -  http://www.torooshop.co.kr

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