I finally got around to throwing the last pieces for my next firing, a group of large pitchers. The inevitable part of throwing pitchers is that you have to put handles on them. After waiting forever for them to firm up, I pulled a group of handles, with two extras and set about putting the handles on the pots. I pull the handles first, though sometimes I pull the handles off smaller pitchers. In this case, I pull the handles first, attach it and finish pulling it on the pot.
The whole process of then fusing over the handles is just a pain. I probably would be less particular if I didn’t have to meet up to a standard I have set. For pitchers, especially, I measure my work against Bill Klock, Warren MacKenzie and several of the British pitcher makers. I think by doing this, it keeps my work honest and gives me the push to make each pot better than the last and distinctly my own thing.
My original intention was to throw larger pitchers, but a last minute addition to the firing, a group of 5” tall serving bowls, has altered my original plan for 17” tall pitchers and reduced them to just under 15” wet. Doesn’t sound like much, but in the end, it will help me load another full, cramped and well planned out firing. Just two more handles to put on…………..
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