Savenpyörityksellä

Savenpyörityksellä, often translated as "pottery wheel" or "spinning clay," refers to the method of shaping clay on a rotating platform. This technique has been used for millennia to create a wide range of ceramic vessels, from simple bowls and cups to intricate decorative pieces. The potter uses their hands and sometimes tools to control the movement of the clay as the wheel spins, drawing it upwards and outwards to form the desired shape.

The process begins with centering the clay, a crucial step where the potter manipulates the lump of clay until it is perfectly balanced on the center of the wheel. Once centered, the potter opens the clay by pressing down into its center, creating a hollow space. Then, using a combination of controlled pressure and movement of their hands, they "pull" the clay walls upwards and outwards, gradually thinning and shaping the vessel. Factors such as wheel speed, water lubrication, and the potter's skill are essential for successful shaping.

Different types of pottery wheels exist, including hand-turned wheels, kick wheels, and electric wheels, each offering varying levels of control and ease of use. Electric wheels are most common today due to their consistent speed and power. Savenpyörityksellä is a fundamental skill in pottery, allowing for symmetrical and precise forms that are difficult to achieve by hand-building alone. It is both a practical technique for creating functional objects and an art form that showcases a potter's mastery of material and motion.