Artist Statement

As I expand my horizons in textures, I thought it would be interesting to try out some different types of textures this trimester.  This specific project gave me the chance to work with matching textures together on two cups and a knob n all pot.  I really wanted to work on texture here and used the indented carving all over the forms to give that effect - Contrasting colors of dark blue and orange bringing out the texture even more.  The dimpled texture all over the forms made it feel like the right direction to use more attention grabbing colors to bring the piece together and show off the texture of the pieces.

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This piece plays with the elements of Color and Form brought out by the contrasting colors in the cups and lidded vessel. The Unity of the piece comes out in the dimpled texture from the base to the lip of the cups and the base to the tip of the lid on the knob n all pot.  There is almost a chaotic Rhythm present as a result of the vibrant colors bringing out the texture on the surface of this set.

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This project allowed me to learn what stage of dryness to carve the texture into the forms.  On multiple attempts to apply texture to pieces I’d thrown they were too dry and would end up chipping off more than I wanted, and even damaging the lip making it sharp and jagged. While it is frustrating to have to start over, it allowed me to learn what stage is best to apply texture to greenware before going on to larger and more time consuming pieces!

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The process was as follows:

  - Wedge the clay and roll into three soft-ball sized spheres
  - Center sphere on wheel and use thumbs to pull up to create mug form
  - Trim away skirt clay with wooden rib tool
  - Cut away from wheel with wire cutter
  - Place on wooden bat and wait to dry turning leather hard
  - Trim away excess clay with ribbon tool to finalize shape
  - Add texture with ribbon tool to the outside of mug
  - Repeat for second mug
  - Center third sphere on the wheel and use thumbs to pull up to make a cylinder form
  - Cone in using hands to create a knob n all form
  - Trim away skirt clay with wooden rib tool
  - Cut away from wheel with wire cutter
  - Place on wooden bat and wait to dry turning leather hard
  - Trim away excess clay with ribbon tool to finalize shape
  - Add texture with ribbon tool to the outside of pot
  - Place in the kiln and Bisque-fire
  - Apply glaze with brushes for color
  - Place in kiln and Glaze fire to finish hardening the glaze