Presentation ideas

I forgot to post this but I've been thinking ahead a lot because the presentation at the end of the semester for this project is very important as well. Last Wednesday I met with my mentor and he said "this might sound crazy" which of course alarmed me. His idea was that, during my presentation, I have a wheel and present it to the group panel to come up and try throwing. I think this idea is perfect because of the misconception of how "easy" wheel throwing is, and letting them try would open their eyes to it. Good idea? Bad? I think I'd demonstrate first, and then call one of them up. 

Mugs mugs mugs

A giant mug (as you can see by the mug compared to the hand) that I aspire to make because it could be used as a mug, a soup bowl,  and a cereal bowl. I loved how it still had a handle and could still be used to drink out of, but wasn't the only use for it.

So, I went back to the studio yesterday and alas, I had accidentally kept my cup out so it was almost completely dried out. It was still wet enough in most spots to let me carve out some designs without breaking the mug so, here is what I ended up with. It's not a mug I plan on using for my final presentation, but it was one I made while learning to center and will also be a glazing experiment. 

I went to my favorite bakery, Sarah's Patisserie, for breakfast and got a chai. I loved how this mug felt in my hands and the size of the handle. I loved the simple shape yet how it still had some grooves in it for texture and deisgn.

You can't really tell from this picture, but this mug has a circular top for comfortable drinking but the actual shape of the body is square. I found, as well as the big red cup up top, in Pier One Imports. It was pretty funny actually because before going out with my mom to the store, I was browsing Youtube and had come upon a video of a guy explaining how to make a squared out mug. I really love the dimension that it adds and I hope to make a similar mug soon.

Excitement & inspiration coming my way

Guys!! Inspiration is all over the place with this video! I literally just got so excited to aim to make this mug because it looks so nice. And how she makes a handle is perfect and I can't wait to try it out.

Now, where do I find a wire like that...hmm.

ease

When people ask me what intrigues me so much about wheel throwing my automatic response is "I can make functional things that I'll treasure and will have more value to me" which, yes that's true. But look at this video below. I've literally just spent over an hour browsing through the hundreds of available videos on youtube and what truly captivates me is how easy and effortless potters make this look. Centering takes me forever, but they do it with such ease. Pulling walls is difficult for me, but they do it as if there's not a chance in the world that the clay will collapse or fall off  center. This is the motivation driving me to keep going and succeed in my project, because it's truly an amazing art form.

Warning: video does get a bit repetitive, I'm just amazed at how simple it looks. 

Trying again

In an attempt to throw the drawing I had, I got close but then it fell apart after about 30 minutes of fighting with it :(
On the upside, I made a nice big plain mug that I can carve designs into!

It's nothing extraordinary but I'm really proud of how I pulled the walls because they're nice and smooth, thin, and consistent thickness. Now I just have to find a design that I really love and figure out what I'll use to make it.

Such an embarrassing dissapointment

Well, I guess part of doing this project is to except some failed attempts, right? I spent two hours at the studio today and came out with less than I'd expected. The wheels there aren't exactly like I've been using at school and I didn't know how to switch the direction of the wheel so I spent an hour of my time throwing it backwards to what I'm used to. Then, when I FINALLY figured it out, I tried throwing some more but I'd already gotten so tired out and frustrated that, unfortunately, I didn't come out successful.

But, tomorrow's a new day and I'm going to go back and try again :)
2nd time's the charm?

First mug, here we go.

I'm so excited! Tomorrow is the first day I'm going into the studio that I'm being allowed to use and I'm going to attempt at making a successful piece.

Here's a sketch of what I'm going to try to do (cross fingers).

Not sure at the colors yet but I'm going to start by making the regular shape (dotted lines) and then cutting away at an angle to get my the caved in bottom. 

Amazed.

While on my search for inspiration from other artists I came upon Jennifer McCurdy. Her work absolutely amazes me and I can't even comprehend how she does it nor do I want to even try to wrap my mind around how long it takes her.

Not exactly anything I'm planning on doing for my project, but I think anyone would love looking at this work. Enjoy!