I really enjoyed watching
The Great Pottery Throw down last night, though it is always strange at the beginning as you don't really know the people taking part at all. I think those that do volunteer to do it are incredibly brave. Firstly they have to have a good range of skills: throwing, hand building, decorating and the ability to conceive and bring to fruition an idea that works. That is a lot to ask of anyone, let alone a hobbyist potter which is what I believe the contestants are. Some won't have that range of skills and that will at some stage become evident. Secondly you must be prepared to perform in front of an audience, this isn't a competition for the faint hearted or those of a nervous disposition. And thirdly you really must be able to be a pretty good thrower or you will be at a big disadvantage. Last night was a case in point. It was a throwing challenge and a difficult one at that. No breaking these guys in gently, the challenges they faced were:
- throwing a large bowl
- throwing a plate that would accommodate and fit the aforementioned inverted large bowl
- two matching pots with lids
- a flat bottomed pan with handle (fondue)
And all that in 3 hours!
I thought everyone did really well and I felt sorry for Ara who was despatched. His glazing went awry and in view of the simplicity of his idea he couldn't afford that to happen. Shame, as his pieces, glazing apart, looked simple and stylish, and perhaps in future episodes he would have become more adventurous . . . alas we will never know.
My personal favourite was Lee's set: all honey and bees. I thought the shapes and the glazing worked beautifully and some nice modelling to make the pieces individual. The cheese dome wasn't big enough so that would have counted against him, but a great start to the competition.
Looking forward to future episodes.
Lee's Fondue set
