Friday, 28 June 2013

The Latest Firing

Some of the things that came out of the kiln earlier this week: four more spheres for the 'spheres' installation; a small coiled form (centre back), the first in what will/might become an installation about gesture; a flowing form (centre front), in more detail below; and some twisted coiled forms which are about achieving a dynamic twist in an organic coiled form. Further explanation to follow in a subsequent post.





 
 
 
The first of what I'm referring to as 'flowing forms' for the moment (water forms?), inspired by the flow of water - I was in Cornwall recently and spent many happy moments watching the sea and clear water streams and rills. Water and how it flows has been a fascination for me for as long as I can remember. I grew up by the sea ...
Using a different technique, which, unlike with the coiled forms, is not about the process as such, so the process is not left visible. These flowing forms are more about movement and purity of line/language. Both sides shown:
 



 
 
The second in the flowing forms series. Not yet fully dry, in its leather-hardness state, so this will still be refined. Both sides shown. The clay is dark brown when wet and fires black (interestingly, a slightly different black than the black coiled forms, which are made using the same clay):
 


 

Saturday, 8 June 2013

The Beauty in Working with Clay

Bernard Leach at work with what is for me a poignant, inspiring commentary: