New Bowls
I’ve been working on some new bowls made from slabs – an alternative to wheel thrown work. I’m getting better at making them, and really like their organic shape and feel. They’re really light weight and each one is truly different. The only problem I’m experiencing – though one I’m working on remedying – is a high level of warpage. If I take the time to dry them slowly, and by slowly I’m talking about 3-4 weeks, I have good success. There’s something charming about my really warped bowls, but they’re not so practical for stacking purposes.
These are made from B-mix, a ^6 stoneware, and glazed with a celadon glaze. The celadon takes on a more yellowish cast when applied to the b-mix vs. a more blue/green color when applied to white porcelain. They look quite lovely stacked up – almost like a head of lettuce or a flower.
Thank you so much to everyone who left congratulation wishes on my acceptance to the guild. I’m very humbled and also really excited about becoming a member. I look forward to meeting my mentor and going through an orientation. Rest assured, I’ll be writing more about the guild in the near future.
I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend,
~Cynthia
Tales of an Artist & his Travelers
February 3, 2008 at 3:56 am //
I like doing bowls it`s just that they always turn into travelers. Yours look good and your right, slow is the way to go. I like the glaze color.
JafaBrit's Art
February 3, 2008 at 2:53 pm //
Your bowls are exquisite, I love the edges and the colour.
The Lone Beader
February 3, 2008 at 3:13 pm //
I love the bowls rough edges!
Cynthia
February 3, 2008 at 3:30 pm //
Never thought of that John – do they really start out as bowls? Do you throw them, or handbuild them?
Thanks Jafabrit and Diana!
JUDI TAVILL
February 3, 2008 at 5:11 pm //
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM!
Paula Manning-Lewis
February 3, 2008 at 5:34 pm //
These are beautiful! I love the organic shapes.
chaetoons
February 3, 2008 at 6:33 pm //
Thought of you yesterday Cynthia and our converstion about kiln schedules and timing. Had bisque-fired on Friday and normally would wait til Mon to fire again – however, YOU gave me the inspiration (and courage) to check them around 11:29am and to start another load. (Which finished firing near midnight.)
It’s the first time i’ve “double-fired” within 36 hours!
THANK YOU CYNTHIA
Love your bowls! Think the celadon glaze is splendid. And the unique shape sets them quite apart from the Walmart variety !!! (You know i’m grinning like a Cheshire cat here – tickled to tease you a little bit!)
Hugs
And have a great weekend.
Chae
Chi
February 3, 2008 at 7:10 pm //
Oh my, I’m so in LOVE with these new bowls. They take on an organic feel, so lovely! I bet these will sell like hot cakes.
[nancy + andy]
February 3, 2008 at 8:21 pm //
Great bowls Cynthia!
Maybe the warping can work to the advantage of the organic shapes. If you can dry them in 3 to 4 days you will save a lot of valuable shelf space.
Congratulations on your guild acceptance – w00t!
Angela Rockett
February 4, 2008 at 12:28 am //
Love these bowls! Will have to acquire some ASAP.
And belated congratulations on your acceptance at the guild! That’s great news!
Becky
February 4, 2008 at 3:05 am //
Hi Cynthia. I found your blog through a link on John’s site & I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts. These bowls are beautiful, the colour exquisite. I’ve only been involved in ceramics for a little over a year and am finding sites like this one to be so helpful. Thank you! And congrats on the guild acceptance!
HMBT
February 4, 2008 at 12:24 pm //
These bowls are wonderful! I like that they are warpy….that makes them even more cool. You know that color is my favorite!
Lynette
February 5, 2008 at 3:36 am //
CONGRATULATIONS Cyn!!! I’m so happy to hear about your acceptance in the guild, that’s awesome!
I love those bowls, they have the same delicacy and beauty as seashells, they’re gorgeous