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 this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Pottery and ceramics are actually fun, accessible ways to express creativity, whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced artist. From crafting simple clay mugs to creating intricate vases, pottery allows anyone to make unique and personal pieces.
One of the joys of pottery is the process itself – the feel of the clay, the shaping and moulding. It’s about the journey, not just the end result. With a bit of inspiration and the right mindset, people are often surprised at how quickly they can improve their skills.
Season 7 of The Great Pottery Throw Down, airing every Monday at 20:00 on BBC Lifestyle (DStv Channel 120), invites viewers to witness this transformation. The show brings together twelve of Britain’s finest home potters, who face weekly challenges that push their creativity and skill.
Hosted by Siobhan McSweeney and judged by pottery experts Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller, each episode is a celebration of pottery’s boundless potential. This season’s unique challenges include creating intricate animal busts and beautiful cascading water features.
If you’re new to pottery, remember that starting small is key. You don’t need to dive into complex vases or intricate sculptures.
Projects like mugs or simple bowls are a great way to get comfortable with the clay and the process of pottery-making. Ikho Kweba, a well-loved South African influencer known for his comedy and vlogging, recently picked up pottery as a new hobby. He’s proof that the first step to creating beautiful pottery is just getting behind the wheel — literally.
For those inspired by the show, local pottery studios offer the perfect environment to get started. Beginners can experiment with hand-building techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab-building, creating simple items that lay the foundation for more advanced projects. As you progress, you may want to try the potter’s wheel, where you can make symmetrical forms like vases, plates, and cups. The rhythmic, meditative process of wheel-throwing is both rewarding and therapeutic, an experience often highlighted on the show.
For more seasoned potters, The Great Pottery Throw Down also dives into advanced techniques, transforming pottery from a simple craft into high art. Techniques like slip casting, intricate carving, and raku firing demonstrate the limitless potential of clay. Just as the contestants evolve week by week, so can anyone who’s willing to experiment and enjoy the creative journey.
If you’re looking to be inspired, catch The Great Pottery Throw Down every Monday at 20:00 on BBC Brit. Watching the contestants push their creative boundaries may just spark your next pottery project!
For more information, visit BBC Studios Africa on bbcafricachannels.com
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