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BearTrack Farm Pottery    Pottery Forms           To learn to throw on a potter's wheel, Julene Kielman practiced specific forms on a kickwheel based on a design used to build the wheels at the Bauhaus Pottery in Germany.   This type of wheel is still used for specific ware produced at BearTrack Farm.   Following the German training process, each form was practiced to develop a specific skill needed for the production of pottery.   The first form learned is a pet dish.   By practicing this form the potter learns to control the clay against the centrifugal force of the wheel.   One must also learn how to process the clay, attach it to the wheel, and become acquainted with the effects the varying states of moisture have on the clay and its workability.   Next the student learns to form a bowl by use of an inside and outside metal ribs.   The importance of a good foot and rim is a part of this lesson.   The study of the coffee mug helps the thrower learn to raise the wall and to attach a handle.   By designing one's own interpretation of a coffee mug, the potter must be aware of the mug's ultimate use and aesthetic.   This includes the feel of the rim and pulled handle as well as how the mug holds and offers up the coffee.         pet dish bowl mug             The use of the ribs and raising the wall is furthered developed by producing the flowerpot form.   In the next lesson, the student throws a pitcher, forms the spout and pulls a handle.   Through the making of a footed flowerpot, the skills to throw in sections is learned.   And in this matter the student continues to learn additional forms to develop her skills and appreciation for the clay.   The potter practices these forms until she is able to make them her own, producing variations on these timeless forms as only this one unique potter in history is able to.   As a result, these wares are a perminent record of this specific potter, her physical and mental being, skill, and experiences.             pitcher honeypot incense burner         candydish vase covered container           BearTrack Farm's Kickwheel         ramekin serving dish sugar/creamer