Trying on a kick wheel

Working on a basic vessel form on a kick wheel

I tried using a manual kick wheel at F. Widayanto's ceramic studio in Tapos, Bogor, Indonesia. I have to say that I really sucked at it!

And this is me being distracted by Cengli, one of F. Widayanto's dogs. Pak Udin is in the background.

The whole experience reminded me of when I was learning to drive manual for the very first time. I had to make sure my feet, hands and eyes are all coordinated to make sure I don't screw up the work.

Being elevated like that was another thing to get used to. I have been accustomed to being down low, on ground level. It took a lot of getting used to.

Pak Udin, the main person working in the throwing wheel room, patiently guided me and provided instructions (and the occasional fix ups!). He told me that when he started, it took him a full day to finally get the hang of it.

I did not manage to prove whether a full day was what it took to master the kick wheel, but nonetheless, it was a great experience trying on something new!