In The Studio

I have spent the past week making molds for my new tableware line.  I like taking the time to make my molds pristine.  It's important to me to apply the clean and simple aesthetic of my finished work to the whole creation process.  I like treating the molds as mini sculptures in their own right.

In The Studio

This week I have been mixing up batches of porcelain Limoges Slip. I've been making dozens of mini test bowls to find the perfect white, grey and black colored clay bodies. Once I decide on the correct percentages I'll be moving on to testing a bunch of different glazes.

In The Studio

Plaster, plaster, and some more plaster!!! 

I have been carving away at the prototypes for my new tableware line.  My hands are dry and cracking, my nails are worn down, but I think it is worth it.  I just finished making the plaster models of my dinner plate and small plate.  They both have organic pebble like shapes with subtle curves.  It's exciting to see my ideas come to life!

Lithic

Lithic is my new line of sculptural vessels.  It all began when I discovered this beautiful chocolaty clay.  Unlike my previous pieces I decided to work purely with handbuilding techniques.  I realized that off the wheel I could create more dramatic angles and severe curves.  Lithic is the result of an experiment with new clay and new techniques.  I can't wait to make more of them!  But, that will have to wait for just a few months, because I am now working on another new and exciting project!!

Fun with Clay

Last weekend I had a few friends and their adorable toddlers come to my studio for some fun with clay.  To the amazement of the parents these talented two year olds produced beautiful plates.  The plates are still drying in my studio and waiting for their turn in the kiln.  I can't wait to see the fired versions!

I adore

This is one of my favorite cups.  It is by Molly Hatch.  I have a set of three (I used to have a set of four, but I broke one!).  I love how Molly individually carves her designs into each and every piece and I adore her sense of nostalgia.

In The Studio

These are some snapshots from my studio today.

Currently I am working on a tableware set.  I have decided on the general shapes and I am now in the process of carving the actual models out of plaster.  Today I started working on a really small piece.  I had forgotten how tiring carving plaster can be.  I have achy wrists!   I need to do some wrist stretches.