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
andrea
June 26, 2008 at 10:52 am //
I love the shape of the platter (and the texture). Looking forward to seeing it glazed. The handle on the mug for some reason reminds me of a human arm. Kinda creepy but in a good way.
Mary Starosta
June 26, 2008 at 11:42 am //
I like the shape of the Mug with the square bottom round top~! Very cool and I think will sell well for you. The POPPY box is Amazing and I like the detail of it. Sweet…looks really good Cynthia~
Mary
Cynthia
June 26, 2008 at 1:18 pm //
I see it now, Andrea! Sort of like the missing feet that keep washing ashore in Vancouver?
Thanks Mary!
Mary T.
June 26, 2008 at 5:14 pm //
My fav of all cups is a tulip shape with a flared rim. I think that would be a thrown technique and not a built upon one, though.
That poppy box is looking really wonderful.
Anna
June 27, 2008 at 2:58 am //
I just found your blog – and have subscribed. I love your cup shape. I’m a new potter – I love throwing but want to explore some more handbuilt items, but I like functional items, so didn’t know where to start.
Thanks for all the information on here!
Melody
June 27, 2008 at 5:38 am //
The coffee cup is brilliant…..I just love the shape of it.
Cynthia
June 27, 2008 at 8:15 am //
Thanks Mary T! Nope – handbuilt…just like the poppy box. I’m glad things are looking better in your household.
Hi Anna – welcome! I love throwing and switch off and on between throwing and handbuilding. When I was in school and just learning to throw, handbuilding gave me some successes and mastery.
Thanks Melody!
janvangogh
June 27, 2008 at 4:05 pm //
I thought the handle looked like an arm also. I like the pattern.
Couldnt zoom in on the last photo to see the profile of the handles. Are they truly hollow or concave?
Cynthia
June 27, 2008 at 6:44 pm //
Hey Janet – they’re truly hollows. More like pillows… I’m not sure I love the handles or not and need to tweak the template.
Patricia Griffin
June 28, 2008 at 4:20 am //
Loved your descriptions of combining ideas to create your own work. Exploring new possibilities is such fun! Hope you post the finished pieces. These look great!
Chaeli Sullivan
June 28, 2008 at 8:49 am //
Cynthia
Love the way you’ve textured the square-bottomed cup !!!
Awesome.
Hugs
Chae
Heather
June 29, 2008 at 3:58 pm //
I love the handle on that mug, it looks perfect! You need to come by my place and pick up your award for being super fantastic.