This week in the studio was spent working on the other side of art. There is more to art than making a piece, firing the kiln and doing finishing work. There is also entering a piece into an art show. I am entering two pieces into the Members Show at the Art Center. I have entered pieces for the last three years. The Member's Show happens once a year normally in January or February. Anyone who is a member of the Art Center can put their work in the show. I entered a raku vessel which I entitled "Midnight Fog". My other piece I entered is my Alice In Wonderland teapot which I entitled "Where's Alice?". I volunteered at the Art Center doing data entry for check in day for the Member's Show. I thoroughly enjoy this event because it shows how many incredible artists there are locally. The Pictures are of me next to my "Where's Alice?" piece and random shots around the gallery.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
25 Mugs
Last week in the studio was spent working on a goal I set out to accomplish at the beginning of the year. I wanted to make twenty five of one item, the same shape, size, and color. I decided to make twenty five mugs. I needed to work on my handle making techniques and consistency, so I thought mugs would be perfect. My first day on my new project I had difficulties with throwing a consistence shape. I got better as I went on. On the first day I threw eleven mugs. I decided against trimming a foot on the mugs and chose to leave them flat bottomed with a slight inward bevel. I took extra time on my handles throwing five extra for practice.
Day two of my twenty five mugs project I threw fifteen mugs. I improved immensely the second day. All of the mugs are an even height and width at the rim, the only variation I saw was a slight difference in the shape of the belly. Throwing the same piece taught me to remember the steps I used. If I got to the desired height first, then shaped the belly, then the neck, I should use the same steps on every piece as to not alter the shape and design. The other little technique I learned with this project is not to cut the piece off the bat until all of the pieces in the set are thrown. Then if one is slightly off I had the option of returning to it and shaping it again. The picture is of me attaching handles to the mugs.
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