Pre-weighed clay balls
I admit that I like to quantify things – by weight/volume/ whatever – give me a number to associate with it and it feels more tangible. In fact, when I cook, I use 2 timers – one counts down based on the prescribed time to doneness but I also use one that counts up – so I can KNOW how much time it really took to doneness.
I believe this neuroses of quantification is a good thing for potters. By weighing clay, a potter can gauge how efficently she has thrown a pot. I weigh my clay and often make note of it – I do this as I get the clay balls ready for throwing. And, when I am developing a new form, I use these data to help me select the amount of clay I should start with.
For any potter who is struggling to throw better, throwing with the same amount of clay will help her focus on her technique by removing one variable.
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