For this project, you will throw and trim a set of 5 bowls. Each bowl must have a well designed and cleanly trimmed foot that corresponds to the proportions of the body of the form. Trimming, like throwing, takes practice, so keep in mind that you will submit your 5 best bowls, not just the first 5 bowls you make.

One of the most important aspects of learning how to trim is learning when to trim. Timing is critical when trimming a bowl. You must learn to find that perfect drying time – just enough for the bowl to support it’s weight and not get damaged during the trimming process, but wet enough for you to easily trim away the excess clay and define the inside and outside of the foot.

The following is a video of IUS Ceramics professor, Brian Harper, throwing and trimming a bowl:

Remember, trimming is a learned skill just like throwing, so PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! It’s all about the repetition.