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!!

   

     

  

Layering

 A Vicky Shaw inspired slab.

Using large repetitive patterns over laying the slip decorated surfaces I think adds another dimension to the surface.With an effect of depth. I think I will use the Monoprint technique and this spring pattern again. 

^ I adore the spring like pattern. Raw state.^

^As you can see from the above,

when stencilling you have to try and get the edges as flat as possible

 to reduce the risk of it leaking.^

^Glazed state^

A Class with Vicky Shaw.

I have been exploring different ceramic techniques  with artist Vicky Shaw such as Stencilling, Monoprinting & Layering Surfaces. Experimenting with various coloured slips has expanded my knowledge about applying slips and mixing up my own. Using the method called Stencilling, you cut out any stencil you desire, smooth onto the clay trying to get as little gaps as possible then brushing slip on top, wait to dry and peal the stencil away carefully leaving the slip behind. This was my first attempt at Stencilling, it is a very enjoyable technique. Here I have also done some Monoprinting with a cobalt oxide wash.

^ In raw state^

^Raw state^

^Glaze fired^

^Glaze fired^