I’ve been thinking about some clay shapes I’ve made in the past especially since I was commissioned to recreate a long oval tray I first made years ago. This time I made a coordinating bowl for the set. Revisiting a familiar form with a fresh eye is a way to revive an idea and perhaps improve its design.
When we lived in Hilton Head, South Carolina for several years, fish and sea turtles were a prevalent theme in my creative output. Moving back to Maryland added a blue crab shape to that beach-inspired repertoire. Often, I’ll think about a specific subject as a catalyst to rev up my creative juices and figure out how to formulate that into clay.
Fish themes have returned as an inspirational subject this week. I’ve been asked to create a wall hanging using fish shapes for a local customer. In my head, I envision a school of these sea creatures dangling from a support that attaches to the wall. For me, the creative process usually starts with a mental picture. I might draw a rough sketch to test out some ideas, but my best way forward is to hit the studio and begin with a slab of clay. There I can test forms, dimensions, and proportions to transform the idea into a workable piece of clay art. Trial and error is always part of this process but usually, leads to a final success.
One of the fish shapes I've made in the past is formed into a long tray. I thought of it as a sushi serving dish or platter for any other seafood delight. I liked the way different textures on the surface made each one unique. Since fish are currently on my mind, I’d like to explore this theme again. I'm open to suggestions. Do you have any ideas on ways you might use a fish tray or dimensions that would be useful for you? I value your feedback! Click here or on the fish photo to let me know!
