So, no, of course I didn't actually make that one above - as if! That would have been a good one for April Fool's Day last week.No, I make mine like this:
First I roll out the clay and imprint the design into it, putting a pretty flowery border all round the edge by pushing in a strip of lace. This particular quilt-block pattern is called 'Towers of Camelot' - can just about see why, I think!
When the whole design is complete, I think to myself: 'its gonna take a hell of a long time to paint glaze into all those flowers - why did I do that?!'
Then I carefully lift the flat piece off the cloth and push into a large round mould. I faff about with the edges a bit to make them nice and fluted and raggedy, in a smooth kind of way.
Into the kiln it goes and out of the kiln it comes. Then I glaze the whole thing, hoping the colours will work together as well in reality as they do in my head.
Into the kiln a second time and when its fired, I lift the lid whilst it is still very hot to have a cheeky peep, which I know I MUST NOT DO because one day the pieces will crack from the thermal shock of introducing cold air too soon - but I live dangerously and cannot wait.
The detail in the flower border was well worth the time and effort and, in fact, the whole thing was pretty much worth the effort. I take it out onto the sunny patio and take a terrible, hurried picture of it on a dirty grey patio slab, which does not do it justice ...
.... but, hey, I want to get this blog post done and get back out there in the sunshine. Its a pretty, Spring coloured bowl for a pretty, Spring coloured day.Have you been out there today?
looks like the sun is back :O)
ReplyDeleteYou really should have a go at patchwork you know!!
I really like it. I think it's great to get some movement through the clay. I quite like to see something unexpected through a medium, it challenges the perception of the outcome. Have been mulling over the qualities of clay as both a resistant and non-resistant material. Would love to see some more work!
ReplyDeleteKathryn
Of course it is worth the effort, it is beautiful! And I love to see all those stages - even if I can imagine the process, to see it is something else.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.
ReplyDeletehi catherine, lovely to 'meet' you,and thanks for your comments on mine, i'm really inspired by patchwork {and embrodiery] too...what your doing here is really different and unique, amazing to see patchwork ceramic ., lovely stuff.........i hope your making a fortune...though i know how difficult that can be....
ReplyDeleteThat is so very pretty and delicate looking it looks like real lace on the edge. You do have an a amazing talent and i really like your designs there really soft. The sunshine is lovely enjoy your day, dee x
ReplyDeleteThanks for your lovely comment about my cards, owls do seem to be everywhere!
ReplyDeleteLove your pottery too, very pretty. :) x
Love your pottery Catherine and thanks for showing us the process. I did a bit of pottery at art college many many moons ago and have always got itchy fingers when I see clay.
ReplyDeleteNo I didn't embroider the tea cosy, I just made the padded liner for it, lol. It's an old one and I absolutely love it. We don't even use a teapot unless we have guests but I just like to see it out in the kitchen.
OO! You've just given me an idea for a post. I might have to show the one piece of pottery that I have from college, give everyone a laugh!
Beautiful. Can't wait to see what the spring sunshine will inspire you to create.
ReplyDeleteLike your take on the patchwork quilt :) Your ceramics are really lovely.
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