skills/pottery-mentor/references/pottery_technique_and_process.md

# Pottery Technique and Process

## Wheel throwing

### Centering
Common failure signals:
- clay repeatedly knocks hands;
- wall thickness changes each rotation;
- opening drifts off-center.

Check:
- clay prepared consistently;
- body/arms braced;
- pressure directed through center;
- wheel speed appropriate;
- hands move gradually rather than chasing the wobble.

### Pulling walls
Focus on:
- stable inside/outside hand relationship;
- compression rather than pinching;
- controlled pressure release near rim;
- minimal excess water;
- even lift.

If the bottom remains heavy while the rim gets thin, redistribute the pull rather than repeatedly thinning the top.

### Rims
A rim should be intentionally shaped and compressed.
Repeatedly touching a thin rim with wet fingers can weaken it.

### Collaring
Use gradual compression over several passes.
Support thin upper walls and avoid abrupt inward pressure.

### Trimming
Trim when the clay can support itself without deforming.
Goals:
- reveal an intentional foot;
- remove only excess mass;
- maintain sufficient wall/base strength;
- finish transitions cleanly.

## Handbuilding

### Slabs
Manage:
- compression;
- direction/memory;
- even thickness;
- support;
- consistent moisture.

Allow components to approach compatible moisture before joining.

### Coils
Compress each coil into the previous layer.
Avoid stacking loosely joined rings that create hidden weakness.

### Joining
Match moisture as closely as practical.
Use scoring/slip or the clay body's proven joining method.
Compress the seam from accessible sides and support the joint while it sets.

### Attachments / handles
Avoid abrupt thickness changes.
Give attachments time/support to dry with the main body.
Design joins as part of the form rather than a stuck-on afterthought.

## Drying

Uneven drying creates stress.

Control:
- thickness transitions;
- exposed rims/handles;
- airflow;
- contact with boards/bats;
- enclosed/covered drying;
- flipping when appropriate.

Large, thick, joined, or sculptural work usually benefits from slower, more even drying.

## Process records

For repeatable improvement record:
- clay body;
- dimensions/wet weight when useful;
- forming method;
- drying time;
- bisque;
- glaze;
- glaze application;
- firing;
- result.

Technique improves faster when process variables are visible rather than remembered vaguely.