Inspiring Inspiration & Self Motivation

Well I haven't posted for a while, with a busy summer of holiday makers flooding the supermarket, spending time in the sun and being hospital bound! So my third year university work was halted. Now back on track here is what I've been up to;

Over the summer every spare 10 mins I had I was doodling MANDALA inspired sketches, which slowly turned into rather geometrical like the bottom right in the picture. The more I've experimented with this style of pattern the more exuberant they are getting, more detailed areas to larger areas of space and blackness. 

I've decided to move forward with these patterns, not only in the form of 2D patterns, but 3D technologies. So I scanned selected patterns into Adobe Illustrator to set up a laser cutter file. Bought myself some Vinyl and off I went.

  

This is the first time I have personally used the laser cutter offered to us at University. My fellow course member has used it and the result were simply beautiful. So I thought why not give it a go, what's the worst that could happen?

 

I'm hoping to further these patterns by incorporating them into my designs, applying them to the 3D objects. My vision of them being an elevated tray with etched patterns on the surface with additional containers mimicking the designs in various ways. Making them flow off the etched 2D ceramic tray through vessels.

A way with Wedgwood

So us students had our way with one of The Wedgwood Museum glass show cases. 

Where we are displaying our 'DOT' (designers of the future) exhibition. Our work steams from within the Museum's 20th century collection. 

This collaboration has been a great experience for me and everyone in our group :)

Here is our display ( not all of it, as it needed more adding) 

My inspiration, Robert Minkin's 1960s black basalt pieces.

And finally my samples that I presented to the board at The Wedgwood Museum.

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.

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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.