This post is overdue by a couple of days, but don’t worry – I am not feeling guilty about it.  On the contrary, I feel pretty proud of myself that I abstained for as long as I did since I’m trying to wean myself off my addiction to the computer.

I’ve traced the paper template for a large mug onto linoleum

I decided to take my paper cup template that Annie shared with us during a workshop I took with her 2 weeks ago and make a custom lino-cut in the shape of the template with very specific imagery.  Before making this, I decided if it works out I’d make some more linoleum blocks to add to my repertoire.  One of the hazards of taking workshops is that my work could end up looking like the presenter’s work and that’s the last thing I want to do.

Freshly cut linoleum

Since the template is basically a cone shape, I have found that the flat rectangular linoleum blocks don’t print the way I want them to since there’s a curvature once the mug is assembled.  I used my poppy linoleum cut as reference for this one.

Freehand drawing in pencil

Traced the drawing in sharpie marker

Many of you thought that the black sharpie drawing was actually underglaze or some other material to transfer the image block to clay, much like a paper print.  At this point, I’m simply using the lino-cuts as texture tools to transfer the imagery to clay.  It sure as heck beats hand-carving each and every piece.  Essentially, the carving is done only 1 time when I make the lino-cut and I’ll be able to use this for years.  The sharpie marker basically firms up and simplifies where I need to cut since many of the pencil marks overlap.

Freshly carved lino-cut

Finished stoneware relief printed poppy mug

Well, it’s almost finished – this one is still green and must survive the bisque and glaze firings.  I’m not in love with the handle template and am trying to figure out how to alter it to suit my tastes.  I’m starting some glaze testing too using mason stains as colorants.  I want a bright sherbet Technicolor palette.  Some where in my blog travels one of you mentioned Colour Lovers – which is this wicked cool web based color and pattern maker.  You can browse the libraries or make your own palettes and patterns.  My daughter and I played around with this site the other day for hours.

I’m not sure whether or not I’ll be able to truly achieve this bright of a glaze palette since glaze chemistry is tricky.  I’m going to start with the use of mason stains and need a couple of good base glaze recipes.  I already have the celadon color so I really only need to work on the other 4.  Yesterday, I spent the day reading up on the use of Mason Stains as colorants in glazes vs. oxides.  From what I’ve read, the reds, pinks and oranges sometimes need a higher calcium based glaze to achieve the color shown and the presence of zinc can change the color.  So, some testing is in order in the next week.  I think I’m going to head over to the Colorado Potter’s Guild studio on Tuesday evening to mix up a few 100 gram batches of 2 different base glazes to start with.  The glazes also need to be transparent to highlight the texture on my new work.

Frog Stoneware Box

On Saturday, afternoon, I finished up the second of 2 boxes I assembled last week.  My relief printing efforts are the result of all the hand painted porcelain boxes I’ve made in the past couple of months.  The boxes are incredibly time intensive and I need to be able to work more efficiently.

Duds

This became apparent when these boxes came out of the kiln either glazed shut or some otherwise damaged.  I was heart broken, but if ceramics teaches anything it’s humility and working out the technical aspects of working with clay.  So, after briefly flirting with getting a 9 to 5 job, wiping away my tears and frustration, I became determined to figure out how I can make better work with minimal losses.  Somehow, the prospect of becoming a claims adjuster trainee for an insurance company just doesn’t sound too fun or glamorous.

Meanwhile, I have been losing tools left and right in the studio.  I know that they can’t just get up and walk out the door and that they’re in there somewhere!  The problem is that my studio hasn’t been properly cleaned in months.  1/4 bags full of different kinds of clay littered the floor, dust was everywhere, clay bits and scraps everywhere, trash, bits of paper, notes etc. were strewn about.  So, I spent yesterday afternoon cleaning my studio top to bottom.  It’s sparkling clean (well as sparkling as a ceramic work area can be) and ready for a new productive making cycle.

Have a great week,

~Cynthia

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