Art for adults with intellectual disabilities

Activity 8 - Working with the Pottery Wheel (the next stage) Rationale: This activity gives the students further experience in using the pottery wheel. Materials: Clay, pottery wheel, water, sponge, cloth, board, clay trimmer and slicer Setting: So far, we have made a basic clay bowl with the pottery wheel. For students who can go further, this is the next step. Sequence:
	1. After making the basic pot with the hole in it, it's time to enlarge the hole. Ideally, thumbs are pulled apart to widen the hole. Alternatively, the middle and index fingers can be gently pulled to the side of the pot. This needs to be done carefully as it can pull the clay off centre. The other hand may be used around the outside of the pot to keep it steady and centred.
	2. The sides of the pot may be raised. Ideally this is done with the middle and index fingers of one hand placed inside the pot against the wall & pushed out against the middle and index fingers on the other hand placed outside the pot and pressing in the then raising the fingers. This can be difficult. An easy alternative is to place hands around the outside of the pot and gently and evenly press in. This forces the clay up.
	3. Trim the base with the index finger or clay tool and sponge smooth. Take pot off the wheel and onto the hand. Use the fishing line cut to cut the base off the wheel. Place on a board to air dry before bisc firing. It must air dry for 10 days, before being glazed and fired again.
	4. After the complete piece has been air dried for a day or two, it can be trimmed further. Make a clay bed on the wheel by centering and flattening a piece of clay on the wheel. Place the pot upside down on the bed of clay (centred). An easy way to centre the pot is to draw rings in the clay bed while it is spinning. Then place the upside down pot in the centre of the rings. Gently tap it down. Spin the wheel at a low speed and trim the edges with a clay trimmer or similar item.
	5. In the picture you can see some actual pieces created by students. These have been fired and have had glaze applied and are ready to be fired again. There are endless possibilities to create clay pieces on the pottery wheel and it is a wonderful experience for students. Ideally, students have access to use a a pottery wheel on a regular and ongoing basis. A great deal of pleasure and satisfaction from what has been created can be gained from it.
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