Preparing the Clay for Throwing

Jane Cullum has been a potter for over 30 years. She is co-owner of Manassas Clay in Manassas, Virginia. For over 11 years Manassas Clay has offered classes and supplies for aspiring potters and gallery space over 30 potters from Northern Virginia. For information the Manassas Clay telephone number is 703-330-1040 and the web site is www.manassasclay.com. 

She also has two instructional videos for the intermediate potter. “Making Bowls with a Big Rib” and “Creating Rims and Handles” are available in VHS at Manassas Clay. You can check them out on the web at howtopot.com. 

Jane has always been fascinated by the process of throwing; it’s just like playing in mud. There is something so soothing, so meditative in working with clay on a wheel. From those first little, dumpy pots in the beginning  to her pots now,  Jane continues to enjoy the process. Her work is both functional and decorative. The pieces are made to be used and enjoyed. Using hand made things in daily life brings us in better contact with humanity. She is not against all manufactured goods, but feels using handmade pieces adds depth and a personal touch to an increasingly impersonal world. Hand crafted items are a luxury in this day and age.