I came across these "Handwarmer hugs" in a store in Roanoke. They were very interesting because they were a new take on how a handle could interact with the cup part of the mug.
Monday, March 28, 2011
16 Hands: The Tour
http://www.16hands.com/The 16 Hands Studio Tour is made up of a group of local craftsmen who open their studios up on the same weekend twice a year. The group was formed in 1998 after the craftsmen realized they would be far more successful in attracting the public if they advertised as a group. Typical weekends for the tours are the fourth weekend in November and the first weekend in May.
This spring, the tour includes eight artists. The majority use clay as their primary material, but one, Brad Warstler, is a woodworker. The website provides information about each artist as well as links to their websites. There is also a map available showing routes between the studios. The majority of the artists are in Floyd, but there is one here in Blacksburg, and one in Christiansburg. Speaking from experience, the tour is a great opportunity to check out studios and pick up neat pieces... you should all check it out!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Jennifer McCurdy
Jennifer McCurdy
Each piece is thrown by hand, and altered and carved, one at a time, so there are variations in size and shape. Some pieces are adorned with gold leaf on the inside.
"I use a translucent porcelain body because it has a beautiful surface, and it conveys the qualities of light and shadow that I wish to express. After throwing my vessel on the potter's wheel, I alter the form to set up a movement of soft shadow. When the porcelain is leather hard, I carve patterns to add energy and counterpoint."
She is inspired by Georgia O'Keefe and the forms she uses. As well as a number of her past professors from her college career. As well as a number of her past professors from her college career.
Horsehair Raku
I remember the topic coming up class last week about the use of burnt materials in creating designs on ceramic pots. I did some research and found a name and some methods/guidelines for creating pots in this style.
The style is a western interpretation of an ancient japanese style of pottery, raku, which involves firing to lower temperatures, then removing the still glowing piece from the kiln to be further treated. According to wikipedia, stoneware is bisque fired to 900 degrees Celsius then place in a hot cone 6 kiln, about 800-1000 degrees Celsius, for an hour or two. They are then removed from the kiln for further treatment.
In traditional raku, the piece is glazed normally, fired as raku, then removed and either oxidized or reduced. In horsehair raku, the piece is unglazed and raku fired. When removed, carbon based substances, such as hair, sugar, or feathers, are placed over the still hot pot, causing them to burn into the surface of the clay. When the pot cools, it is given a wax finish. If the clay body is strong enough, and resistant to thermal expansion, it can be placed back in the kiln again. I'm curious as to wether re-firing a raku pot would allow for the use of a glaze after burning designs on.
The sphericon
An interesting shape that one of my friends in high school experimented with. It has some interesting properties, most specifically a highly irregular wobbling roll that still travels in a straight line.
Here is the site by the creator of the sphericon:
and here are instructions to make one out of clay, in case anyone was interested:
Friday, March 18, 2011
Sarah Hillman
I really enjoy the organic forms and color choices used by this London based ceramic artist. Her vessels seem to be semi functional as well which is nice. http://www.sarahhillmanceramics.com/gallery.php
Thursday, March 17, 2011
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