Wednesday, March 30, 2011

The Ceramic Tree Pieces and Usable Pieces

The tree paintings

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.

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.

New Projects