Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Rush to glaze and to finish the projects
I have glazed now for two full class sessions and it looks like I will be here this weekend too. I keep finding pieces that are ready and to the wall of color I go. I have mixed and painted and I am keeping my fingers crossed that it all turns out well.
I am more worried about the dog heads, getting dry enough and not exploding in the kiln. I have checked and checked but still wary about putting them in. I am ready to stain and apply the whiskers. I am so hoping that they turn out okay. I have to decide on the color of the eyes and luckily I have a box of marbles to choose from. I also have some marbles that were my Grandmother's. I guess they were my Mom's when she was little. I love to reuse and recycle old things and this is a perfect way to display the old marbles and to give the dogs a more realistic look.
The poodle is going to be gray and I plan on using a stain. I am contemplating the lab with a black glaze and I would not mind him a little shiny. I am going to go with a brown stain for Oliver. I feel that it will look it the best. I am excited to see and to finish up the projects.
I am more worried about the dog heads, getting dry enough and not exploding in the kiln. I have checked and checked but still wary about putting them in. I am ready to stain and apply the whiskers. I am so hoping that they turn out okay. I have to decide on the color of the eyes and luckily I have a box of marbles to choose from. I also have some marbles that were my Grandmother's. I guess they were my Mom's when she was little. I love to reuse and recycle old things and this is a perfect way to display the old marbles and to give the dogs a more realistic look.
The poodle is going to be gray and I plan on using a stain. I am contemplating the lab with a black glaze and I would not mind him a little shiny. I am going to go with a brown stain for Oliver. I feel that it will look it the best. I am excited to see and to finish up the projects.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Dogs and Stuff
I have finished the new Oliver head and I must say that the details are much better than the first one. I am going to keep my fingers crossed that this one does not blow up. I did not make it as thick this time and I hollowed it out a little thinner and smoother.
I have also almost completed Tango. I need to add more to the head and actually add long ears. I was trying to go for a mask like affect but it was getting way to thin at the top. I think I accomplished getting the personality coming through and the nose is pretty good. I am learning how to get the small details but still having some problems getting the hair exactly right. I now worry about the thickness of the piece because of how the heat affects it in the kiln.
I feel that my sculptures are okay. I threw the pieces on the wheel and then added the texture and put them together. I wish they were a little larger but I think they are fine. I gave a tree look or flower.
I have also almost completed Tango. I need to add more to the head and actually add long ears. I was trying to go for a mask like affect but it was getting way to thin at the top. I think I accomplished getting the personality coming through and the nose is pretty good. I am learning how to get the small details but still having some problems getting the hair exactly right. I now worry about the thickness of the piece because of how the heat affects it in the kiln.
I feel that my sculptures are okay. I threw the pieces on the wheel and then added the texture and put them together. I wish they were a little larger but I think they are fine. I gave a tree look or flower.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sculptures
I came in over spring break to work on some sculptures and ended up making some pretty cool mugs along with several small platters. I enjoyed using a tool to make some great designs on the platters, a bowl, and a mug. I did add several pieces together which are okay and usable. I used the wheel for all of the pieces and for the first time I knocked every piece out without getting so frustrated that I wanted to quit the wheel. It all just came together and it was a great feeling to be able to make some functional pieces that actually look good. I have been striving to make thinner cylinders and mugs. It takes more practice than what I thought when I first started on the wheel. It looks easy but it is far from it.
I have been into trees this semester in my painting class and I have come to the realization that I am into trees and more natural themes. My favorite prints that I made in printmaking are of trees in several different colors. My favorite paintings in painting class are of a series of trees. I also realized that even when I am not actually producing a tree in class, I use old wood and items that are made from trees to incorporate them into my work. I am sure that I am developing my style with the use of different objects that are made of wood in my art to compliment my projects. I am using what I am drawn to and it seems to be working right now. This also happened in my drawing class in my flower series, flowers on old wooden sleighs. Wow!!!
Today I have worked on several ceramic pieces that I am going to put together and use as a host tree and tree branches as a sculpture. I threw the large pieces on the wheel and attached them together. I am going to make the branches intertwining to help connect all the pieces. I am really excited about this project. I came up with the idea from a friend, who actually went to Costa Rica over spring break, and who took some wonderful photos of trees for me. I was thrilled to see how the trees look from there but also that she would think about me and my attraction to them.
I have been into trees this semester in my painting class and I have come to the realization that I am into trees and more natural themes. My favorite prints that I made in printmaking are of trees in several different colors. My favorite paintings in painting class are of a series of trees. I also realized that even when I am not actually producing a tree in class, I use old wood and items that are made from trees to incorporate them into my work. I am sure that I am developing my style with the use of different objects that are made of wood in my art to compliment my projects. I am using what I am drawn to and it seems to be working right now. This also happened in my drawing class in my flower series, flowers on old wooden sleighs. Wow!!!
Today I have worked on several ceramic pieces that I am going to put together and use as a host tree and tree branches as a sculpture. I threw the large pieces on the wheel and attached them together. I am going to make the branches intertwining to help connect all the pieces. I am really excited about this project. I came up with the idea from a friend, who actually went to Costa Rica over spring break, and who took some wonderful photos of trees for me. I was thrilled to see how the trees look from there but also that she would think about me and my attraction to them.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Brian's Demo
Today Brian instructed us on how to use the wheel as a tool. We are to build a sculpture with the wheel as a tool to help build the parts. I think this is going to be a good experience in using the wheel to make the objects and shapes creatively and maybe not so time consuming. I think it is going to be difficult to a degree and it is going to be more of a thought provoking project.
The other good thing that he shared with us, how to make a plate on the wheel. I love the process and there is much more detail in building it than you realize. Of course he makes it looks easy but I am sure that many of mine are going to turn into Frisbees and crazy looking saucers. I am going to sketch some designs before I attempt the plates. I am looking forward to the challenge.
I am going to have a busy weekend in the ceramic studio. I am going to start over on Oliver' s head. I know the second time around is going to be more detailed and I am going to put in whiskers with the head not being so thick. Jack is drying nicely. I found some red marbles for him and I am looking for a red pillow.
I am going to continue to practice on the bowls, lids, cylinders. I have a great idea for a new project. I am going to hand build another dog. This dog has lots of curly hair all over and the texture is going to be awesome. I am looking forward to it. I am also keeping in mind the glaze or stain. I think the stain is going to work much better aesthetically with the dogs. I feel it will give the fur a much more realistic look to it and it will bring out the depths of the fur. I am hoping I can pull off a whole different take on another dog. I feel that all of them are different personalities and of course all are in different environments. There is always a work in process going on in ceramics.
The other good thing that he shared with us, how to make a plate on the wheel. I love the process and there is much more detail in building it than you realize. Of course he makes it looks easy but I am sure that many of mine are going to turn into Frisbees and crazy looking saucers. I am going to sketch some designs before I attempt the plates. I am looking forward to the challenge.
I am going to have a busy weekend in the ceramic studio. I am going to start over on Oliver' s head. I know the second time around is going to be more detailed and I am going to put in whiskers with the head not being so thick. Jack is drying nicely. I found some red marbles for him and I am looking for a red pillow.
I am going to continue to practice on the bowls, lids, cylinders. I have a great idea for a new project. I am going to hand build another dog. This dog has lots of curly hair all over and the texture is going to be awesome. I am looking forward to it. I am also keeping in mind the glaze or stain. I think the stain is going to work much better aesthetically with the dogs. I feel it will give the fur a much more realistic look to it and it will bring out the depths of the fur. I am hoping I can pull off a whole different take on another dog. I feel that all of them are different personalities and of course all are in different environments. There is always a work in process going on in ceramics.
Monday, February 28, 2011
The Dogs
I did not wait long enough for the head of Oliver to dry. So part of his head cracked and is not salvageable. I am going to come up with a new idea and try to save the face. If I decide not to use it for a project, I will use the piece to practice stains. I will try it again. The next one will be better than the first. I am learning some techniques to make it more realistic and more detailed.
I have been working on the Jack head and it is good. I feel that I made him the way I wanted and to demonstrate the dog in a way that is a little disturbing. I am going to do some research and check out some other artist in ceramics that are doing some different things with dogs. I would like to demonstrate some animal abuse statements, sickness in our pets, and the absurdity of how humans treat animals.
I am working on my artist statement. I am sure that I am going to have to say something along these lines.
I am going to continue working on dogs and hoping that I can make some good art.
I have been working on the Jack head and it is good. I feel that I made him the way I wanted and to demonstrate the dog in a way that is a little disturbing. I am going to do some research and check out some other artist in ceramics that are doing some different things with dogs. I would like to demonstrate some animal abuse statements, sickness in our pets, and the absurdity of how humans treat animals.
I am working on my artist statement. I am sure that I am going to have to say something along these lines.
I am going to continue working on dogs and hoping that I can make some good art.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Making more bowls
I learned a hard lesson in ceramics. I left my bowls out to long and had to throw some out. That being said, I learn the hard way. I should have checked on them and I did not. I was confronted with trying to trim leather hard bowls. It did not work. I made some great bowls today to replace them and in the big scheme of things, it worked out. I learned more making new bowls and learned to work through my frustrations. I hung in there and once the bowls were completed much more confident and worked out some kinks. It was a much needed experience to my benefit. The bowls turned out better than the other ones. I also worked on the bottom of the bowls, smoothing them and knowing that I am going to have to keep the same shape when I trim them.
I am also getting started on the next dog project, Jack. I am going to exaggerate his expression and work in a hanging tongue. I am hoping that the ears will not give me too much trouble. I have a vision in my head of how I want them to look. I am sure that I will get close with work. I have taken lots of photos of him in the last few weeks and I am trying to get a different look from him. I am thinking that red marbles will look the best with a black glaze. It is going to be fun and a learning experience to be able to continue my work of the dogs. I am hoping to get different breeds and do some wacky and some serious pieces. The unconditional love they give us is a rare gift. It is a shame that not all humans can appreciate the gift.
I am also getting started on the next dog project, Jack. I am going to exaggerate his expression and work in a hanging tongue. I am hoping that the ears will not give me too much trouble. I have a vision in my head of how I want them to look. I am sure that I will get close with work. I have taken lots of photos of him in the last few weeks and I am trying to get a different look from him. I am thinking that red marbles will look the best with a black glaze. It is going to be fun and a learning experience to be able to continue my work of the dogs. I am hoping to get different breeds and do some wacky and some serious pieces. The unconditional love they give us is a rare gift. It is a shame that not all humans can appreciate the gift.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Mugs and Handles
The mugs were a little more difficult to make because of the smaller size but also because of trying to get the feel for the wheel. I feel more comfortable every time I am throwing. I know it is going to take lots of practice and time just doing it. I have a tough time making the handles and getting them to be thin and smaller to fit the mug size.
The tricky part of it all is that Brain makes it look so easy and uncomplicated.
I feel that I am doing okay and with more time I will be able to rock these out. I like making the mugs and seeing how each one is going to turn out and no two of mine are alike. I think some of mine will be used for soup mugs or mega cafe.
I used two different types of clay again and I liked the smoother mix. I am sorry that I did not write down the names of what I was using. I am guessing that the darker red clay was equal parts and the other a porcelain mix. I am not sure. I do know that the porcelain seems to be easier to use and a lot smoother to the touch. By saying that I feel it is easier to mess up and have to start over more often because it is more plastic.
I am learning to feel the shape and to work it out when I make mistakes and I am sometimes able to correct them.
I watched Brian trim and clean up a bowl today and that was wonderful. The possibilities are endless.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The crit
Feb. 2, 2011
Today we had our critique for the first personal project. Brian tried a new method of us working in groups and the great thing about it was that it took half the time. I really liked it because we were able to get good feedback with our projects and we wrote our suggestions to each other. I think it worked so much better and now we can look back and think about the persons ideas and insights into the project. I also think that it makes the crit more personal and you are not so on display with the whole class. The feedback is still there and probably more to the point because it is written.
I feel like the work on the Oliver head turned out okay. I would have liked the hair to be more like his and I also think the next time I will do the jaw line more rounded and sagging. I think I accomplished what I had visioned and that is good for me. I am improving everyday and always I have a work in progress. The funny thing is that my paintings and my ceramics are starting to mesh and I am just now realizing the connections that are there.
I am going to get started on the mugs. I am procrastinating for some reason. It could be the weather, drab, cold, and windy. I will be here this weekend and I will make some awesome mugs. I am already giving them away before they are made. LOL A good weekend in ceramics coming up!!!!
Today we had our critique for the first personal project. Brian tried a new method of us working in groups and the great thing about it was that it took half the time. I really liked it because we were able to get good feedback with our projects and we wrote our suggestions to each other. I think it worked so much better and now we can look back and think about the persons ideas and insights into the project. I also think that it makes the crit more personal and you are not so on display with the whole class. The feedback is still there and probably more to the point because it is written.
I feel like the work on the Oliver head turned out okay. I would have liked the hair to be more like his and I also think the next time I will do the jaw line more rounded and sagging. I think I accomplished what I had visioned and that is good for me. I am improving everyday and always I have a work in progress. The funny thing is that my paintings and my ceramics are starting to mesh and I am just now realizing the connections that are there.
I am going to get started on the mugs. I am procrastinating for some reason. It could be the weather, drab, cold, and windy. I will be here this weekend and I will make some awesome mugs. I am already giving them away before they are made. LOL A good weekend in ceramics coming up!!!!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Oliver
I have worked hard on getting Oliver's hair made correctly in clay. I used an earthenware and I think that was fine. I have hollowed the head out and now he is drying out. The hair did give me some trouble and I think it has turned out. He has gone from frizzle to dreads, back to frizzle and now to locks. LOL I am now thinking glazes and what color to go with. Maybe some stain and a glaze!!!! The head has turned out better than what I expected. I tried to get his personality also and I did put a smile on that profile. There are several photos and you can see some progression.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
New Project
I have given the new project lots of thought this week. I am going to try to get a good profile of one of my dogs. I have been so into Adelaide Paul and her dogs of different colors. I love the haunted looks of her dogs and you can pick up the personalities. I don't want the scared or haunted look but more of a kind and peaceful look that my dogs have. I am sure that it is going to be a challenge to get the personality to come through. I am sure that the profile is not going to be easy. I also want to use a glaze that is going to be different of the dogs true color. I am pretty excited about this and I am sure that I am going to be working all weekend. I hope the crazy weather holds out !!!!!!!
I am going to get going on my 15 mugs and handles. HELP!!!!!!!
I am setting goals and lets see if I get anything accomplished.
I am going to get going on my 15 mugs and handles. HELP!!!!!!!
I am setting goals and lets see if I get anything accomplished.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Working Away with Clay
Today has been another big day in the ceramic department. Lots of us here working on these darn cylinders. Most of us doing okay, some look like bowls, flower pots, I am hoping that they are considered cylinder like. I am working through some of the issues but having a hard time making the cylinders tall and thinner. I am using a sponge and my fingers but still having some issues with making them lean. I am rocking on bowls and getting the bottom wider and a half inch on the bottom.
I am wondering if we are going to glaze all these things and use them. I hope so! I am trying different types of clay and porcelain. The porcelain seems to be easier to use than the stoneware. I am assuming that it is the texture of the mixtures. I am going to finish up today hopefully and then on to painting this weekend too. I am thinking about working some clay pieces in with some paintings that I am considering doing this semester.
I hope you like the photos of Jack. I think I am going to incorporate the dogs into my work more this semester also. I really do mean it when I say they are some of inspiration. My good buddies!
I am wondering if we are going to glaze all these things and use them. I hope so! I am trying different types of clay and porcelain. The porcelain seems to be easier to use than the stoneware. I am assuming that it is the texture of the mixtures. I am going to finish up today hopefully and then on to painting this weekend too. I am thinking about working some clay pieces in with some paintings that I am considering doing this semester.
I hope you like the photos of Jack. I think I am going to incorporate the dogs into my work more this semester also. I really do mean it when I say they are some of inspiration. My good buddies!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
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