Getting closer to perfection

Here are two of my initial shapes I have been producing for the Wedgwood Project, I am have started to make other shape to accompany these. I am enjoying learning the ways of Black Jasper and its behaviour. Its exciting to be casting in a new slip body and exploring its potential.

I added the feature of a ringed bottom on my first shape, to add texture and an element of surprise when picked up. Here I decided to decorate the shoulder of one piece, to see what transparent glaze could achieve on a matt Black Jasper body. Sketchily done done I think the intention shows. Intention of contrasting between matt and gloss.

Glaze tests

Glaze tests.

With these black jasper scraps from the reservoirs of my plaster moulds I decided to test some transparent glazes. Looking at the contrast between shiny transparent glaze and a matt black surface, and what it could achieve with a paint brush and a bit of masking tape. Here are some fired pieces. I am pleased with how they have turned out. Adoring the contrast and will maybe take it further to apply onto my main slipped cast pieces.

Moulds Moulds Moulds

And more moulds. One of my Wedgwood inspired shapes being slip cast up, using black jasper as I believe it truly represents Wedgwood. The smaller mould shown below, was an experiment. I started by pouring black jasper into the mould leaving for around 5 minutes so the cast thickness wasn't very much. Then emptying the Black Jasper out and refilling with an earthenware slip. For a true monochrome look. The only worry was that the two wouldn't fuse because of the slip meet and crack apart, luckily enough they didn't!!

   

     

  

A start of something new

 A start of my project for The Wedgwood Museum, they asked us to create a new take on their 20th century collection, taking inspiration from the work we seen on display. So we took a little road trip as a group to get started! These are my initial sketches. I find quick 10 second sketches sometimes the most helpful. They are unconscious, spontaneous and creative. I then did some mixed media layered pages for extra inspiration. Setting up a plaster chuck to turn on the lathe, not planning my shape exactly as I find these way of working better for me. My best work can come from just experimenting hands on rather than plan plan plan 24/7.

123

123

Three of the best pieces of advice I've received in the past two years whilst studying at university:

Number 1 has got to be "Good design will always sell". There is an element of truth in this quote as a well designed piece of ceramics, tableware, furniture, clothing or even a model of car will always be majorly recognisable and sell extremely well. 

Number 2 "Strive to be the best you can be" yes it may be very cliché but its meaning can be different for each individual and there outcomes on life. 

Number 3 ends with "Work hard and reap the rewards" Cliché again. But for various people it will mean numerous things. Whether it will be working towards a small short time goal or a long time goal. Goals are set to work towards, work hard and to achieve with a sense of satisfaction when they are completed.

Advice is always good to welcome but sometimes you have to be selective on what advice to take on and listen to.