Class Overview

Ready to move beyond bowls and mugs? This intermediate wheel pottery class is all about throwing vases with confidence, control, and intention. Students will focus on cylinder-based forms, scale, and proportion while working toward a thoughtfully designed “dream vessel.”

Through guided demonstrations and hands-on practice, you’ll refine your throwing fundamentals while pushing into taller, more intentional forms. This class is ideal for potters looking to deepen their technical skills while developing a stronger design voice on the wheel.

What You’ll Learn

This class focuses on building height, control, and intention through cylinder-based forms. You’ll refine your throwing fundamentals while exploring proportion, scale, and design — working toward a thoughtfully planned vase form that reflects your personal style.

• Week 1 – Cylinders & Consistency
  Begin with warm-up throws to reinforce centring and pulling, then move into taller cylinders. The focus is on consistency, even wall thickness, and setting a strong foundation for vertical forms.

• Week 2 – Design & Proportion
  Shift from practice forms to intentional design. You’ll explore proportions, silhouettes, and profile planning while throwing larger cylinders and beginning work on a personal “dream vessel.”

• Week 3 – Developing Height & Form
  Continue refining your vase forms, working with increased clay weights as appropriate. This week emphasizes vertical control, subtle curves, and maintaining balance as forms grow taller.

• Week 4 – Trimming for Balance & Finish
  Revisit your pieces to focus on trimming techniques that support both function and aesthetics. You’ll refine foot rings, adjust proportions, and bring clarity and intention to your final forms.

• Week 5 – Glazing Vertical Forms
  Complete your vessels with glazing techniques suited to tall, cylindrical work. You’ll consider how glaze choice, flow, and surface interact with form to enhance the finished piece.

By the end of the class, you’ll have a deeper understanding of throwing and finishing vase forms, along with greater confidence working at scale on the wheel.

Who This Class Is For

This class is designed for potters who already have wheel experience and are ready to focus on taller, more intentional forms. You’ll get the most out of the class if you’re comfortable centering around 2 lbs of clay and have prior experience trimming your work.

Open to members and non-members.

What’s Included

• M340 Clay to practice and create your own pieces

• Tools for shaping and finishing (for in studio use)

• Glazes for finishing your pieces

• Bisque and glaze firing of your piece.

what to bring + Personal Safety

Please bring your own apron or clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, as well as a pencil and notebook for sketching ideas and taking notes. For your own personal safety during this class, please:

• Wear closed-toe shoes

• Ensure long hair is securely tied up and out of the way

• Remove any watches & jewelry (they’ll catch on the clay!)

• Don’t wear loose clothing

Prerequisites

This is an intermediate class. Completion of our Wheel Pottery Level 1 class or Fast Track: Wheel Level 1 is required. You should be comfortable with wedging, centring, and pulling basic cylinders before enrolling.