Les Manning

“Throwing” or Wheel Pottery is the hobby of some, the career of others. Those who spend long hours on the wheel throwing large heavy clay often wind up with aches and pains. Some can be very serious and lifelong. However, those of us who live with the wheel, cannot live without it. So, what can we do to ease these pains, prevent them and keep on throwing?

Les Manning has been studying "Wheel Ergonomics” for years. A successful international ceramic artist and past director of the Banff Center for the Arts, Les is a brilliant instructor with excel- lent knowledge of wheel throwing. The more he taught, the more he realised that people were sitting at the wheel for such long periods of time in the wrong position, that they were full of aches and pains. Many had stopped. throwing and some rec- onciled to throwing much smaller amounts of clay. He began with the innovative idea of photocopying people's hands, palm down. He could then analyze what type of hand they had, what parts of the hand were used in the centering process and manip- ulation of the clay. He has famously photocopied student's hands all around the world now.

He then followed the hands up to the body and established optimum distances and angles for the chair and wheel to ensure the best use of the back and other major muscle groups. At first, people are tottering around and tripping over the short 2X4's and bricks used to prop up wheels and chairs. But after a while, potters can't believe how much more comfortable they are and how much easier it is to center clay of all sizes. There are several success stories where people can actually throw with serious back injuries.

He integrates the ergonomics with detailed throwing tech- niques. With an uncanny ability to teach people how to bring up clay and add a personal signature to their work, he has

become a sought after mentor and teacher. He is currently Artistic Director of the Medalta Artist in Residence program and also instructs an amazing 8 day program, Aesthetics of Ceramic Form at MISSA (Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts) on Vancouver Island every summer. "Throwing Pains” is an excellent prep course to the longer, more creative program in June at MISSA.

Les's instruction is best received in an immersion, intensive style. So, at Bad Dog Arts, we have designed a three day pro- gram with a small enrollment (under ten) to work in a comfort- able, personal environment. Participants are encouraged. to con- tinue working after the course hours on their dedicated wheel until ten at night. We include a dinner and slide show on the Saturday night and, of course, some folks bring wine too. So, the idea is to completely immerse yourself in “clay” for three whole days. Les gives specialized one-on-one instruction, so all levels are welcome. Everyone can move forward at their own pace.

Bad Dog Arts is a multi-discipline working art studio. There are several artists in residence and some involved on a part-time basis. Together we run a small open warehouse with kilns, wheels, a printmaker and open working space. We facilitate artist-controlled art exhibitions and studio sales throughout the year in addition to sporadic workshops in all areas. This is an environment where there are no rules and artists are encouraged to push the envelope and explore creativity in a safe supportive place. Of course we party a lot too.

Shannon Barker

For more information, see ad on page 9. Photos courtesy Les Manning

“Devonian Thrust”, stoneware and porcelain, 22 x 23 x 23cm

November! December 2004

“Double Morain" 22x19¢em

Potters Guild of British Columbia Newsletter 7