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.

I wish I had made that..

Elisa Strozyk.

Strozyk's work crossed my path whilst in college and I feel in love instantly. To my surprise she was exhibiting her work in a gallery local to my home town, The Mostyn Gallery which sits in the seaside town of Llandudno. I couldn't resist going and I'm so glad I did.

You wouldn't say these textiles were wooden 'wood' you?

I adore the fact that they are movable by touch, unbelievably soft and supple. Strozyk is pushing the definition of craftsmanship far and wide. With wood being seen as a very traditional material, Strozyk has truly expanded its potential in the design and craft worlds. I am very drawn to the geometric type patterns, with their sense of direction and clean lines.

            

As you can see the chair above is priced at £780. Which I believe to be reasonably priced for the size and quality. The amount of precision and detail that has is in this piece undeniable.

These are all my own images taken by myself, at the mostyn gallery Llandudno.

TOP 5 BUSINESS CARD DESIGNS

TOP 5 BUSINESS CARD DESIGNS

I have been set a task of researching my favourite top 5 business cards around at the moment, and here they are.

At Number FIVE: TAKE ME, POUCH.

This was collected from the 'NEW DESIGNERS' exhibition, London 2013.

The fact it was parcelled up was intriguing and made the receiver want to open it up to view the unknown. Unfortunately the mean point of a business card is to hold appropriate information to let to receiver no about you and your practice. I felt this particular card wasn't letting you know what the persons trade was.

 

At Number FOUR: VARIOUS MATERIALS.

These strechy business cards were sourced from Pinterest. The range of materials that can be used for business cards is vast. You can be as creative as your imagination will let you. Especially the laser cut, etched and layered wooden card is eye catching, interesting and very effective for the suited trade.

(http://thefactoryblogger.blogspot.co.uk/2009/09/17-best-business-cards.html)

(http://www.brandingidentitydesign.com/tag/business-card/page/2/)

(http://www.multyshades.com/2011/03/45-most-creative-and-sophisticated-business-cards-wooden-and-furniture-inspired/) 

At Number THREE: THE BIG INITIAL.

 If you want to get your name across, maybe this is the approach for you.

Its a bold statement that depending on colour choice could work extremely well or not at all. For instance the red colouring could come across as passionate but the choice of a duller more muted may not stand out.

(http://blogof.francescomugnai.com/2013/10/20-new-amazing-business-cards-best-october-2013/)

At Number TWO: NAME TO FACE.

This quirky design gives the business card a friendly introduction to there recipient. Putting a name to a face can make people remember you, your face and most importantly your work.

(http://thefactoryblogger.blogspot.co.uk/2009/09/17-best-business-cards.html)

At Number ONE: CLASSICAL IMAGE.

This particular card belongs to the Part 1 winner of NEW DESIGNERS, London, 2013.

This traditional style business card from Kate Turton, holds purely an image of the her work. It makes Turton's work memorable and identifiable. A design which never ceases to fail.

(Picture taken by myself)