The Appeal of Hand-Turning and Electric Potter's Wheels
“People often see potters using electric wheels on TV, but I actually prefer working with a hand-turned wheel,” Mutsumi-san shared with a smile. He explained that though electric wheels are suitable for efficiently producing identical shapes in large quantities, hand-turned wheels allow the artist’s touch and feel to be directly expressed. He says that it gives him more freedom, and is more ideal for creating irregular and organic forms of pottery.
“The hand-turned wheel requires more time and effort, but I love slowly shaping the clay while feeling its texture,” he explained. He also explained that it is also the way it was done from hundred of years ago, and as this was the way he was taught, he wants to continue to use this technique as a form to honor the creation of pottery throughout history.