Someone commented on my last post that they wanted to see my tools. This is a shot of the 5 tools I used to carve and stamp on this pot. From left to right: a metal stylus with small ball tips on each end; a Kemper wire loop cutting tool; a fine wire tool I use for drawing lines; a broken off TV antenna I use to "pebble" a surface; and an old burnisher from my "pre-computer" graphic design days.
Here is the piece pre carving.
This time I broke the bottom into 5 sections and carved or pressed a texture into each.
I worked on the piece upside down on the banding wheel and my lap. The lid is safe under plastic.
I decided to draw pods & plants around the entire upper half of the piece. I used the fine wire tool to draw the plants. It is the same tool I use when I do scrafitto decoration.
I made the handles by rolling small clay coils over a corrugated cardboard to pick up a lined pattern. Then I flattened the underside of the coils on the table.
After tracing the outline of the handle in position I scored each surface with a knife before attaching them.
I used my finger to mold the underside of the handles into a graceful curve. The lid is still not carved.
A top view of the lid with carving, sprigs and the knob in place.
I also added sprigs to the sides of the handles.
A detail shot.
The finished piece.
9 comments:
That is crazy beautiful! Your caving makes mine look I'm in kindergarden.
~Cindy
Can you imagine taking food in this to a potluck? No matter what you would have the best dish there!!!!!!
You say "finished" but where is the glaze?
Thank you so much for showing the tools. Your work is extremely beautiful. I also love that you showed how to do the corrugated cardboard patterned handles. I've see those textured handles on other people's work, but could never figure out how they did it. Thank you for solving the mystery for me.
Connie
spectacular piece, and great explanation on your use of tools, sprigs and handles.
This is gorgeous. I want to bake a ragu in it. Do you use it in the oven?
Hi everyone,
To answer the questions, yes Fred you are right. It is not truly finished. The piece still has to be fired, glazed and fired again. I was just referring to finishing the carving. Yes Tania, once the piece is glazed and fired it can be used in the oven, microwave and put in the dishwasher. It is stoneware clay and meant to be functional. I am glad you potters liked the tool & demo shots. I will try to do more of that in the future. Next up are three platters to decorate. That will happen on Friday and Saturday so watch for another post early next week.
I LOVE your work! This dish is so beautiful! I'm with Kirsten, because no matter what you bring to a party in that dish, it would be the best! :)
c'est un travail admirable ! Thanks for showing your work so near by. Best regards from France
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