Working on Cups, Boxes and Platters
Hand built stoneware cup with square base
I’m continuing to work on the lessons I learned in the workshop that I took last weekend in an effort to make the work my own. This cup is one of the results and one I’m going to continue developing. I like the square base and the round top. My original intention was to make the entire cup square, when my husband mentioned that a square rim might make the functionality tricky. He asked if the user would have to drink from a corner. Given that it’s a fairly large cup with a large rim expanse, I tended to agree with him. So, this cup was the result of our discussion.
Poppy relief printed stoneware box
Remember my lino-cuts? I finally finished one of the boxes 2 days ago. It’s drying slowly to minimize warping and cracking. I also switched my slip from a regular slip made from my clay body to a paper clay slip made with my clay body, which happens to be a white ^6 stoneware called Ash manufactured by Mile Hi Ceramics here in Denver. It’s gray in color before bisque firing, but will be white once fired. It’s not as white as the porcelain I throw with, but it does the trick. In reduction, this clay body (ash) would have a gray cast, unlike porcelain.
Top view of the Poppy Box which is larger at 7″ t x 5″ w not including knob and feet
Hand built stoneware platter with hollow handles
I made this with a combination of the techniques I learned in Annie’s workshop and another Pottery Making Illustrated article titled, “Plate-o-matic” written by Paul Wandless about the work of Amy Santaferraro. I can’t find a live link to PMI, so here’s the pdf: Plate-o-matic by Paul Wandless if you want to give it a go.
Side view of platter
The plate was made using Amy’s technique and then I added double sided textured and hollow decorative handles like I learned how to do in Annie’s class. The hollow handles are pretty darn cool if you ask me and I need to come up with my own templates now.
In the meantime, I must go and make some more work!
~Cynthia
