An Unconventional Way to Make a Handmade Pitcher Spout An Innovative Take on a Handmade Pitcher Spout Josh DeWeese

I’ve seen a lot of different ways to make a handmade pitcher spout–from a traditional pulled spout to a slab spout. But I have to admit that Josh DeWeese’s method was all new to me. He starts with a thrown disc of clay and ends up with a unique and attractive attached spout.

In this post, an excerpt from Fluid Forms with Josh DeWeese, Josh shares his unconventional pitcher spout process! – Jennifer Poellot Harnetty, editor

This clip was excerpted from Fluid Forms with Josh DeWeese, which is available in the Ceramic Arts Network Shop. 

The pitcher spout is formed on a separate bat by throwing a flat disk with a recessed center portion that is 1/2-inch thick and an outer portion that is 1/4-inch thick (1). Using a wire tool, cut the outer section to create texture and divide the surface into faceted thirds that resemble a Mercedes Benz emblem. Shape and attach the spout while the clay is wet and at full plasticity.

Time to get creative!

Once you've mastered the basic teapot, it's time to get creative with spouted forms. That's why we put together our compilation Getting Creative with Spouts and Handles. In this video, four talented artists demonstrate how to make exciting pouring vessels using advanced spout and handle forming techniques. Recorded in an easy-to-follow step-by-step format, artists Marty Fielding, Suze Lindsay, Mike Jabbur and Lorna Meaden lead you through their techniques for creating four truly unique pots.

Immediately remove it from the wheel, fold it into shape, and place it onto the body. The placement should emphasize the vertical angle of the spout and the breast of the bird-like form. Shape the spout by hand to create the pouring edge. Mark the placement of the spout (2) and carefully remove it from the form. Use a knife to remove the folded areas and eliminate any extra clay weight. Set the spout aside, facing up and remove the marked area from the body. Prep the edges (3) and attach the spout, joining the interior edge completely. The spout is then finessed for definition. Cut away the back edge of the body to create a lip that follows the line of the spout (4). This detail will help engineer a smooth flow of liquid.

To learn more about Josh DeWeese or to see more images of his work, please visit his website http://www.joshdeweese.com/.

**First published in 2017.