This week I narrowed the scope of my work to focus on texture. The approaches I took involved the utilization of sgraffito (applying slip and then removing it in the leather-hard state) and carving into the form to remove some of the clay body. In both cases, I created the texture through removal of some kind.
Platter
The Platter was wheel thrown (measuring about 14 inches) and trimmed. While soft, the black slip was added and allowed to slowly dry wrapped in plastic over the course of about a week. Utilizing a circular loop tool, I carved the texture into the clay surface.
Basket
The basket was created from 2 slabs of bmix clay. It was hand shaped and augmented over a plaster slump mold. Once near leather hard, I carved the lacey pattern into the clay body. Hopefully this will help keep the piece from collapsing in the high fire kiln. I used a damp sponge to soften the edges of each cutout. To support the form, I will construct a clay support system to accompany the basket during the firing process.
Lidded Vessel
I threw a single closed form to create this lidded vessel, carving into the body to create the gallery and flange. Black slip was painted all of the interior and exterior surface and was removed using a similar process to the platter. I removed some of the clay from the lid to facilitate ease of opening the container since it doesn't have a knob.
Platter
The Platter was wheel thrown (measuring about 14 inches) and trimmed. While soft, the black slip was added and allowed to slowly dry wrapped in plastic over the course of about a week. Utilizing a circular loop tool, I carved the texture into the clay surface.
Basket
The basket was created from 2 slabs of bmix clay. It was hand shaped and augmented over a plaster slump mold. Once near leather hard, I carved the lacey pattern into the clay body. Hopefully this will help keep the piece from collapsing in the high fire kiln. I used a damp sponge to soften the edges of each cutout. To support the form, I will construct a clay support system to accompany the basket during the firing process.
Lidded Vessel
I threw a single closed form to create this lidded vessel, carving into the body to create the gallery and flange. Black slip was painted all of the interior and exterior surface and was removed using a similar process to the platter. I removed some of the clay from the lid to facilitate ease of opening the container since it doesn't have a knob.