Stuff going on in the studio
I'd like to use this space as a sort of visual blog, showing what I'm working on and saying something (hopefully intelligent) about it. E-mail me if you have questions or if there is anything you'd like to see demonstrated or discussed in class.
jrspiteri@comcast.net
jrspiteri@comcast.net
Jars

Here's a set of jars. I started these a couple of weeks ago and did the smaller ones this weeks. I made only three of the smaller jars before asking myself what they would be used for. I couldn't find a use, but then I thought "cookies," and realized that they were way too small for anything. So I went to a larger size, using about 6 lbs of clay. My intention was to work on the shape you see, with various sized and shaped knobs on the lids.
The smaller jars were not a complete waste. I pulled little handles you see there, stuck them on, stepped back and realized how the pulled lid handles looked a little like the stems on gourds and squashes, kind of organic. That will stay with me, and it inspires a set of jars with a more organic look and feel, something like a acorn, or a summer squash.
These are all B-Mix and are intended for reduction and/or soda. The large jars about about 12" h. Lotsa cookies!
The smaller jars were not a complete waste. I pulled little handles you see there, stuck them on, stepped back and realized how the pulled lid handles looked a little like the stems on gourds and squashes, kind of organic. That will stay with me, and it inspires a set of jars with a more organic look and feel, something like a acorn, or a summer squash.
These are all B-Mix and are intended for reduction and/or soda. The large jars about about 12" h. Lotsa cookies!
More jars

These are from the same series, but made about two weeks ago. I dipped these in flashing slip before realizing that the lids may be a problem in soda, but later decided that I can paint on a bit of alumina hydrate between the lid seating and the lid and hope the soda won't penetrate. The shape is one I have been making, on-and-off, for a long time. I'm interested here in a lot of lift and in the lid knobs.
Close-up of one of the jars

Here's a close-up of one of the jars. I'd hoped it would show the little squiggles on the lid, but it doesn't. The squiggles on the body of the jar are made just after I painted on some flashing slip. They are intended to indicate a sense of motion, or rhythm.