Raku

We learned about the raku process, which I really enjoyed! Here are some of the images from the process: Below is the process of glazing and also an image of the smoking chambers that are used for when the pieces come out of the kiln

 

Glazing

I loved doing the glazing process as it gave me a chance to individualise my piece from anyone else's. I wanted to use my ink drawings as a reference and take aspects of them into my ceramic pieces and so here is the piece. I had previously thrown this pot on the wheel.

 

Inked Up

We started doing some ink drawing to reflect our pieces and to maybe inspire future pieces and designs. I enjoyed doing this and in return the drawings helped inspire one of the pieces I made for the raku firing!

 

Ceramics Pieces

Decided on some of the shapes and designs I wanted to work with I got started making these pieces so here are some of them:

 

The Wheel

We got the opportunity to use the wheel the other day which was well... an experience! I enjoyed it and would love to get the chance to practice some more using it and getting the technique right but I guess the first time is always tricky. Thankfully, Elaine gave us a step by step run through on it (and then when we still seemed unsure she gave another) so just when we felt a little more sure it was our turn. One of the hardest parts may have been mounting the wheel, along with centring the piece and keeping it steady, its takes a lot more muscle than you'd think!

Developing Ideas

From the first series of pieces we made in the beginning we had to select 1 piece to continue working with and so I chose this piece:

 

We then had to explore the potential of the form and develop it further. I decided to explore what the shape would look like upside down, with textures and various sizes;

 

Here is an image of those pieces I made by developing on my initial idea;

Ceramics!!

Last monday I began my two week journey of ceramics! First off we were given a brief some clay and an intriguing quote to work from. The aim was to make a few 3D pieces within half an hour, as good a way to kick off as any! So here are snaps of my first few:

 

These were one or two of my favourites;

 

 

And here is the one piece i decided to keep and work from;