Covered ^6 stoneware box
Pausing on vacation photos…. On Thursday, it was easy to pry myself away from my computer and head out to the studio for the first time in a long time. Some how, I didn’t melt or implode when I didn’t have access to a computer while on vacation and decided it’s just better for my sanity to sign off for the day after finishing my coffee and to leave it off till the next day. I don’t know about you all, but my lap top sucks a lot of time away from my day. Anyway, I warmed up by making a covered box that I textured with embossed paper. I did something a little different this time around, I added the knob and feet while the box was still fairly wet. I had issues the last time around of adding feet after the body was considerably dry and having them fall off and “glaze glueing” them on post bisque fire.
Coiled ^6 stoneware bowl
Then I went into regression mode. I shouldn’t say that. I didn’t have an agenda, and didn’t feel like throwing – so I decided to start coiling a bowl. I tried coiling the bowl using a large plastic bowl coated with WD40 (in background), but that didn’t work so well. It stuck to the bowl and then I remembered some large hump plaster molds I made last year and pulled one out.
Interior of coiled bowl is smooth, outside rough
Much better. Coiling is meditative, but hardly a time saver. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the process so much that I made another one yesterday.
It's a generous 12" across in diameter
I like that there is no clay waste using the coiling method – no trimming etc. etc. All the futzing is up front. I even made a coiled mug and decided to try my hand at pinching a bowl. Also not as easy as it looks to get the walls an even thickness. I’m not sure either coiling or pinching are techniques to continue using in my future clay career, but it was a good way to ease back into the studio.
Now, I need to lace up my sneakers – off for a 7 mile run with my training group (I’ve been dreading it since last night, but I know I’ll feel good once I get out there!)
Cynthia
15 Responses to “Back in the Studio (finally)”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
I’ve used WD40 and clay hasn’t stuck but not for coiled, just slabs. I’ll have to try it to see how it does. I guess with coil the clay needs to be pressed together and that might absorb the WD40. You could also try cornstarch. I like the texture of seeing the coils in the bowl. I’d like to try building with the flat coils like they do for those very large jars in Korea.
My computer people just sent me an email saying I have exceeded by bandwith for the month ? – that must be how much I have downloaded from sites, but every site has a download nowadays and Youtubes take a lot. I notice now that I’ve updated internet explorer – photos keep downloading each time, I might have to have a computer person come over to check my computer and see what is what. Dialup is less expensive which I need to keep for my budget – I too might have to start limiting myself on the computer – even if I am forced into it. Ha!
That’s exactly what happened, Linda – I compressed the coils and they stuck to the bowl. I have tried cornstarch before too, with limited success. The plaster mold works great and I have a 50lb bag of plaster sitting in my garagio right now that I should use before we move.
I flattened the coils once I added them to the bowl, but the thought occurred to me that I should take a rolling pin to them beforehand.
Exceeded your bandwidth?? You must be online a lot!
Not that I’m one to judge. I had looked into mobile broadband through my cell provider and the one thing holding me back is the 5gb bandwidth limit – with 3 of us using computers as home (including 11 year old who loves You Tube, I decided to stick with Qwest for the time being. I had heard rumors though of some ISP companies limiting their customer’s bandwidth though…. Not good with all the cool stuff to be found online.
I love it all..With my recent back issues…hand building is looking tastey!
I really enjoy hand building, Judi – but every so often I hop on the wheel.
nice one yeh stick with the plaster molds, much more successful..did you say running I really haven’t got back to it yet my excuse its been so wet and i’ve been too sick,, pity party you bet…!
Running is as much for maintaining fitness for me as it is mental therapy ;D If I don’t do it, I really notice.
Hi Cynthia, I am only allowed 2 gb (which I didn’t even know till today). In five years I never exceeded it till now. I downloaded the internet explore 8 this month which apparently used up a whole bunch and it makes my computer cache files by downloading them each time – which means when I even get on my own blog it downloads every photo I posted each time – as if I am on a new site. Same way with everyone else’s blogs – it has to download their header and previous photos all over again – I have to fix this as I am not really on the computer “that” much – although with my back being out I was on it more than usual since that is the only chair I can sit in comfortably and I couldn’t do other stuff at all. I have to do something other than lying in bed or I’ll go crazy.
I’ve really got to try making some plaster molds. I want to try some slip casting too. I want some quick canvases to do slip drawing and painting on – which is my new (this week anyway) passion. For slabs the WD 40 works great; I just spray it on and wipe the excess off with a papertowl and then drape the slab in the mold. The cornstarch works well in small flexible plastic molds for sprigs.
Oohhh 2gb isn’t much
I don’t use IE anymore – switched to Firefox a couple of years ago. I have tried Safari, but not Chrome or other browsers. I keep coming back to Firefox. It seems like there should be something in IE to turn off caching all the files….
Looking forward to seeing your new work!
The trip looks like it was wonderful. Such picturesque places.
The box is looking good. Really like the texture.
The trip was great, Janet – enjoyed getting away and seeing some different places.
Welcome back to your studio! These look great! This isn’t a coil method but have you tried making bowls from slabs formed on fabric hung into a large container such a garbage can? No sticking! It’s a fun option when the wheel isn’t calling.
I look forward to seeing these all fired up!
It’s funny you mention slab bowls – because I normally use this hump mold to make a similar bowl as my coiled one (though it’s much faster!) I’m intrigued by the method you describe – sounds pretty cool. I wonder if I rig up something similar….
i’m with you on the computer thing… don’t seem to be able to get a lot done, love the covered box piece, good to see you’re back at it
‘Bout time, eh?
I first tried using WD-40 with all my hanbuilding and soon tired of the stink! I now use generic brand Pam non stick spray. Much cheaper, no smell and nothing ever sticks! Big Fan of your work.