So, besides being busy in the studio with ClayMotion classes and the mosaic project with the Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre, and keeping on top of my Etsy shop, I’m trying to also play with the development of some new sculptural forms – coz I have nothing else to do!!
PS – I also have a stupid slow computer that wants to keep shutting down which is why I didn’t post a Sunday Studio Visit last week – but of course it is working fine now as I type my draft for this post because it is 2am in the morning!!
Anyhows…. as mentioned this week I have been playing around with some new sculptural forms which are little more formal than my usual style of sculpture. These new experiments are much more formal in their design and presence than my usual organic works. This formal and angular design also lends itself to handbuilding, which is a technique I have been growing to enjoy alot more in the past couple of years.
I am, however, in a quandary about how to glaze this piece …. currently I like the surface textures…. I was thinking of pit firing them which would mean burnishing them which would eliminate the surface texture. So perhaps an organic matt earthy style glaze…. or perhaps pit fired with only a partially burnished surface…. arrgghhh!! Thoughts?
Here’s some images of the sculpture from a variety of angles to inspire your advice! Thanks in advance 🙂
How about pit firing with no burnishing at all ? I’ve seen some really interesting completely matte smoke fired pieces done by colleagues .
Posted by rukshanaafia | May 28, 2015, 11:48 pmYes, I agree Rukshana …. I am just a bit hooked on the depth of colour achieved through burnishing…. but that would definitely be a solution keeping the existing textured surface – these things are such big decisions aren’t they?
Posted by Dawn Whitehand | May 29, 2015, 12:22 amI love the new shapes. Can you explain what you mean by new sculptural forms that are more formal….? I am learning from you and, as a non-sculptor I would love to understand what is different. Love your work.
Posted by Claudia Anderson | May 29, 2015, 1:41 pmHi Claudia… these forms are more formal in that they follow stronger lines of design, are more restrained and occupy space in a more rigid manner as opposed to more organic shapes and lines – does this make sense?
Posted by Dawn Whitehand | May 30, 2015, 12:53 amYes, I think it does. They do seem more..solid (pbysically and conceptually) than, say, your garden pieces (they’re not really garden pieces, but I remember the cluster of creations you placed outside near water). Am I getting closer?
Posted by Claudia Anderson | May 30, 2015, 2:53 amabsolutely!
Posted by Dawn Whitehand | May 31, 2015, 5:37 pmhow about a combination of burnished smooth areas and textured areas?
Posted by Anna | June 2, 2015, 8:39 pmHi Anna – yes I been leaning in that direction …. will just have experiment!!
Posted by Dawn Whitehand | June 2, 2015, 9:01 pm