Ron Lang Process: Oval

“Union of Tree And Clay”, Michael Persiano, Bonsai Today 89, 2004

Photo credit: Michael Persiano

Pug mill extruded onto the outer edge of a 24” diameter plaster bat—consistent volume of clay on the circumference. Clay positioned on the potter’s wheel, and the coil attached and readied for throwing.

Only the wall of the pot is worked on at this stage. The floor will be added after the circular wall section is reshaped into an oval.

The thick clay coil is compressed and lifted to a wall height just over 5”.

Extra clay is reserved at the top of the wall and finished into a substantial and sturdy lip.

With a slab floor added to the base of the re-formed oval, the pot is flipped over onto its lip.

A wheel thrown “foot” made separately is scored and joined to the base.

Wood fired kiln