Faceting is one of my favorite altering techniques. Dividing the exterior surface of a pot into individual planes imposes an architectural structure to it—an exciting element of formal drama, simplicity, and elegance. Here are a couple of ways I facet bowls, although the technique would apply to any vertical-sided form.

 

1 For straight facets, throw a vertical form and draw a cheese cutter from the rim down toward the base. 2 For diagonal facets, turn the wheel while cutting and keeping the cheese cutter perpendicular to the wall of the pot.

 

3 After cutting straight facets, use your inside hand to flare out the wall to a desired bowl shape. Try not to touch the outside. 4 After cutting diagonal facets, continue to shape the bowl with your inside hand while keeping distortion to a minimum.

 

5 To facet a bowl with a curled wire, throw a thick vertical form and decide the number of facet cuts and widths you want. 6 Another option before faceting: divide the form into sections by running a finger up the inside wall at regular intervals.

 

7 Cut the form from top to bottom with the curled wire. Wider panels are possible if the form is squared before faceting.

 

8 After the pot reaches leather hard, slightly bevel the rim edge without mushing the facets, then trim the bottom foot, and sign the piece. Detail shows the pattern made by the curled/coiled wire tool. 8 Alternate view.

From the Pottery Making Illustrated May/June 2016 issue.

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Topics: Wheel Throwing Techniques
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