Discover a New Passion for Crafting with The Great Pottery Throw Down on BBC Lifestyle
A common misconception is that pottery is a difficult, tedious craft that requires years to master. But The Great Pottery Throw Down on BBC Lifestyle shows that this is far from the truth.
Pottery and ceramics are a fun, creative outlet that anyone can enjoy, whether they’re complete novices or experienced artists. From simple clay mugs to intricate vases, pottery allows us to craft unique, personal pieces.
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But, when it comes to pottery making, it’s not only about the end result – it’s also the journey of moulding the clay that allows potters to really showcase their creativity. With the right mindset and some inspiration, people will be surprised at how quickly they can take their skills to the next level.
Season 7 of The Great Pottery Throw Down, airing every Monday at 20:00 on BBC Lifestyle (DStv Channel 120), brings together twelve of Britain’s finest home potters as they compete in weekly challenges, transforming raw clay into stunning creations.
Hosted by Siobhan McSweeney and judged by pottery experts Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller, the show celebrates pottery's boundless potential, showcasing contestants from diverse backgrounds as they turn simple clay into extraordinary works of art.
Whether you're a novice or a seasoned artist, the show captivates and inspires viewers to embark on their own pottery journey. This season’s challenges include intricate animal busts and cascading water features.
Pottery making isn’t as complicated as it seems. Those who are interested in taking this up as a hobby don’t need to start by throwing complex vases on the wheel. Beginning with small projects, like mugs or simple bowls, is essential to get invested in the creative process.
Even for beginners, pottery can be accessible and fun. Take it from Ikho Kweba, a Mzansi favourite known for his style, comedy skits, and vlogging content. Ikho, looking to pick up a new hobby, proves that the first step to making beautiful pottery is simply getting behind the wheel – literally.
Gaining confidence in one’s skillset and understanding how the clay behaves allows future potters to work their way up to more ambitious projects. Feeling inspired and want to visit the nearest pottery studio to create something beautiful? Here’s a quick guide on what to get started with based on your experience.
Starting Your Pottery Journey: Beginner to Intermediate
For those feeling inspired by the show, pottery studios offer the ideal environment to get started. As a beginner, you can start with hand-building techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab-building, creating simple items like bowls, mugs, or vases. These techniques are the building blocks of pottery, and they’re featured prominently in The Great Pottery Throw Down, showing how even the simplest items can become personal works of art.
As you progress, the challenge of the potter’s wheel awaits — one of the most mesmerising parts of the show. Wheel-throwing allows for more complex forms, like symmetrical vases, plates, or sets of cups, which you can make as you hone your skills. This stage introduces you to the rhythmic, almost meditative process of shaping clay on the wheel, an experience both rewarding and therapeutic.
Advanced Techniques: Mastering Your Craft
For those who’ve truly caught the pottery bug, The Great Pottery Throw Down captures some of the most intricate and complex techniques that take pottery from hobby to high art. Advanced pottery enthusiasts can try creating larger, more elaborate pieces such as sculptural works or multi-part installations. The show regularly features advanced techniques such as slip casting, intricate carving, and raku firing, giving audiences a glimpse of just how limitless the possibilities are once you reach a more advanced level.
Just like in The Great Pottery Throw Down, where each contestant evolves week after week, you can too – the key is to keep experimenting and having fun.
If you’re looking for a little more inspiration, tune into The Great Pottery Throw Down on BBC Brit every Monday at 20:00. Watching the contestants push their creative boundaries is sure to motivate you to take on your next pottery project.
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Source: Briefly News
