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.

My Big Mess

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.

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.

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!!!!