Something Old, Something New...

A production potter has mastered the art of recreating the same piece consistently on a large scale, often using a potter’s wheel. One of the reasons I create a pattern for a finished pot I like is so I can make it again (and again) using clay hand-building techniques.  As much as I value the routine and comfort of making a familiar shape over and over in the studio, I also enjoy a good creative challenge.

I really like the process of figuring out how to make something I’ve never created before. It usually starts with an idea and a picture in my head. I know ahead of time what I want the finished piece to look like. Sometimes I’ll sketch it out (mostly so I don’t forget).

One of the challenges of this piece happens when it dries. I've learned to support the length of the tray during the early drying process with a piece of styrofoam so it doesn't bow in the middle. 

Trial and error is part of the process. I allow myself time to fail because this will happen. I assess the shapes that need to be pieced together to make a final whole. Lots of times, I just start cutting apart clay and shaping. As I close in on success, I take note of the shapes, tools, and process I used to achieve the final result.  I make a pattern with cut-up manila folders. 

Once I've created a pattern and a sample of the finished piece has made it successfully through all the stages of the kiln-firing process, I know I can recreate it when I want to. It's how I achieve quality control and the ability to produce multiples of the same shape over and over again. 

Here's another new project in the works. I'm in the homestretch of completing a series of tiled totem posts for a local school. Each young child in the school (and several teachers and parents) decorated a pre-made tile with underglaze. I will apply a clear glaze over their artwork and fire them in my kiln this week. Once the tiles are ready, I'll adhere them to the posts we erected at the front entry of the school. This has been a fantastic project. It's one more example of working on a new and different project!

When a new shape I make is one my customers like to purchase, it then becomes 'something old.' And luckily for me, there always seems to be 'something new' to create waiting in the wings! Got an idea for me? Click here to tell me about it!

Getting In Shape

Shape is an important aspect of pottery. Achieving a pleasant-looking form takes practice, a critical eye and willingness to experiment. I’ve been playing with the configuration of simple drinking vessels over the last couple of months.

This is a standard mug shape. It mimics the shape I used to throw on the potters wheel. After it is assembled, I use my fingers to bulge out the middle belly of the mug.

I begin by thinking of the useful purpose of each cup or mug. Will it mostly hold a hot beverage? Could it be used for a cold drink also? Where and when will someone choose to use this item?  Will it be used for the first cup of coffee in the morning?  Will it hold a mid-day beverage sipped while working? Maybe it will be used at the end of the day to wind down and relax. 

This is a new mug form for me. I chose to have a wider base and narrow top. This helps the functionality of the mug by keeping a hot beverage hot. 

Because I use hand-building methods to create my clay forms, subtle changes in the pattern alter the end result of the shape. Is the cup widest at the top or bottom?  Should it have a handle? 

I've been wanting to make a travel mug. So I started by ordering the lids to guide me in the overall design. Here's my first attempt. I'm playing with a one finger handle. I will fire and glaze this test piece to see how it works before I go into production.

Sometimes I create a shape just because it is pleasant to my own eye. Other times, I work to create a piece that must fit into specific calculations. Will it fit in the car cup holder would be one of those determining factors. 

These are some of the patterns I've created to make my drinking vessels. The top one is used for the standard mug I make. The middle pattern was used to create the wide-bottomed mug. the last pattern is the template for the travel mug. Subtle differences in the height, width and side angles all contribute to the overall shape of each piece. 

Speaking of shapes, I've created some new ones that will be used in the upcoming Potsticker Craft Party, July 20 sponsored by The Muse in Frederick, Md. If you'd like to have a fun evening creating a special garden or plant decoration -- this is the class for you. Click here to sign up! Class space is limited. 

ClayByLaura Club members received a special discount offer for the month of July. It's just one of the benefits of joining. Are you a member yet? No?!? What are you waiting for? It's easy to sign up. Click on the image above to join. Check and respond to the email you receive. That's it. You're in!

Spontaneous

On Friday, my daughter suggested we “go to London on Monday.” She’d just completed an exhaustive work project and thought this would be a nice treat. My immediate reaction was, "no I can’t, I have too much going on to just pick up and go." But this spontaneous suggestion has got me to thinking. Just as important as learning to say no in life, is the opportunity to say yes. For the practical and routine-loving me, a quick decision or about-face change of plans is a challenge.

I often texture the clay in random patterns. Here are three examples of square images I've used on a small square dish.

Just as I seek freedom in the actions I take in the studio to loosen up and take some risks, it’s a good reminder to take advantage of those same lessons in daily life. It’s still a balance of learning to say no to unproductive activities but also understand the times to just say yes and enjoy the results! 

I've used some of my favorite pattern-makers here to create some interest in these underglazed  berry bowls. When I am working on a series of pieces, I often make snap-decisions on which tools I'll use to emboss the clay. 

I am spending the day with my daughter today, just not in London. I'll take a look at the calendar and see if we can plan a trip there in the near future!