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!!