Throwing "Off the Hump"

Throwing Off the Hump

Over the next few weeks I’m planning to focus on improving my throwing technique, with the aim of producing more consistent and thoughtfully considered forms.

Rob suggested that it would be a good idea to learn how to throw off the hump. This method is extremely efficient, particularly in terms of reducing the amount of time spent wedging and centering individual pieces of clay. Instead, a large mound of clay is centred once, and multiple smaller forms are thrown from the top.

“Throwing off the hump” is a general term for a throwing technique used to create lots of identical forms in a short period of time using one large cone of clay. The method is traditionally associated with Eastern pottery traditions, particularly in Japan and Korea, where it has long been used for producing repeated forms such as cups, bowls, and small vessels.

At first the technique felt a little unfamiliar, but once I began to understand the process I surprised myself by really enjoying it. There is something very satisfying about working quickly and rhythmically, and it encourages a more fluid approach to throwing.

To begin with, I’ve decided to concentrate on a simple cylinder form. It’s a shape that reveals a lot about control and consistency, and it feels like a good foundation before moving on to more complex forms.

One thing that quickly became clear is that when throwing off the hump it’s especially important to wedge the clay thoroughly beforehand. Because you are working with a large mass of clay, good preparation helps ensure the clay behaves well on the wheel and reduces the risk of inconsistencies while throwing.

It will be interesting to see how this approach develops over the coming weeks and whether it leads to greater consistency in the finished forms.

Clay selection

Just to keep things interesting, I’ve also decided to experiment with a variety of different clays. This should allow me to use the process not only to practise the technique, but also to begin working out which clay body I enjoy using the most.

So far I have thrown with Staffordshire Stoneware from Potclays, Sapphire Blue Porcelain from Valentines Clays, and two types of Vulcan black clay from Potclays – the fine and the medium. Interestingly, I’ve really enjoyed throwing with all of them, each one offering a slightly different feel and response on the wheel.

It will be interesting to see how this exploration develops over the coming weeks and whether a clear favourite clay emerges alongside improved consistency in the forms themselves.