Here is my latest cake.

It was my last level 1 cake decorating class today. Just thought I'd share.

Shrink Rule

This is the site I mentioned about making a shrink rule - I went to it originally for something else (making handmade brushes), so it may be worth a look-see as this couple posts lots of interesting things.

http://lapellaart.blogspot.com/2010/11/diy-shrinkage-rule.html

Ann

Sodium Silicate Surface

Andrew is exploring unusual surfaces in his quest to play with light.  Here is an excerpt from the video I will bring to class to show while we are working.  Granted these guys are throwing huge pots, but the end result is certainly destined to be translucent - especially when Randy goes too far and makes a hole in his pot...

http://ceramicartsdaily.org/pottery-making-techniques/ceramic-decorating-techniques/pottery-decorating-video-what-a-stretch-how-to-use-sodium-silicate-to-create-crackled-texture-on-pottery-surfaces/

Jeremy Randall gives a very detailed description on measuring the specific gravity of Terra Sigillata in this video on the Ceramic Arts Daily site.  He makes it seem almost possible...

Karen says there is a graduated cylinder in Hodson which I will retrieve for our use as she says it has been languishing on a shelf over there for a long time.

http://ceramicartsdaily.org/pottery-making-techniques/ceramic-decorating-techniques/pottery-video-of-the-week-how-to-mix-decant-and-troubleshoot-terra-sigillata/

Ann

Duncan Ross

Victoria is pursuing Terra Sig with a vengeance and I couldn't be happier.  Here is one of my favorite potters who works magic with Terra Sig and resists.
http://www.duncanrossceramics.co.uk/

Here's hoping we can get these kind of results!

Ann

Victoria B's Wayne Thiebaud obsession

Well, not quite an obession, but I have loved his work for many years now. So here are a few images that I like.  I love symmetry, so these are right up my alley. 

I am also thinking of nesting doll type things, but minus the doll part.  I want to nest some things that aren't usually nested, like a piece of pie,  or cupcake, or something I have yet to think of.

And then...With day of the dead approaching, I love the sugar skull idea.  The colors are amazing.

So there is my post on where I am heading, what I am doing and what I want to do in the future...well, at least for today.
V

Victoria V's Focus

Victoria is concentrating on Terra Sigillatas.  I'm hoping that she finds out some great info with her tests - next is to try and make colored terra sigs.  We will all be able to use these when we put things into the pit fire as they are especailly made for low temperature firing.

I am included an article by Sumi Van Dassow that is very clear about the whole project.  There are a million and one recipes and words of advice - sometimes you just have to edit and test...

file://localhost/Users/annhobart/Desktop/2.%20Sumi%20von%20Dassow-Burnishing%20with%20Terra%20Sigillata.pdf

Thanks for all the help - hope we can make this work...

Hood College | Whitaker Gallery hosts internationally celebrated ceramic artist

Hood College | Whitaker Gallery hosts internationally celebrated ceramic artist

Dear Class,

Jack Troy makes strong beautiful pots.  Most of all for us is that he has some pretty wonderful things to say about art, ceramics and life in general.  He is the author of the "20 Questions" articles I posted for you on Blackboard as a way to start thinking about your work.

Please try and make it to the opening - I'm assuming that he will speaking at about 5:30 - and, of course, there will be food and drink.

I am taking his workshops which is based on the unrounding of thrown pots - anything I glean i will share.

Ann

Victoria V's Inspirational Images

My plate at Family Meal. I liked the oval and slightly irregular shape without sacrificing functionality. The color appealed to me because it emulated a blue, speckled bird's egg. 

A classic Fiesta pitcher design. My Dad used this type of kitchen ware and so I'm partial to it mostly because of familiarity. Black wouldn't be my first choice, but it is rather pretty as an ornamental piece in this color. If I were to actually want to use it I'd choose a brighter color. I like the circular shape with the redundant circular impressions within the main body.

This shape immediately appealed to me. I think the two different colors is pleasant and offers a nice contrast. The shape reminds me a little of a duck bill, or maybe a flowing sea plant. Either way, it's beautiful. 

I don't think the human-like figure is particularly attractive but what drew me to this piece was the bodies parallel to one another. The erect, solid donkey supporting the relaxed, languid boy-thing. The way they fit together like puzzle pieces is interesting. 

This design made me think of pasta, or mummy wraps made into a beehive shape. I like the light that peeks through the intentional holes and the clean, smooth, PURPOSEFUL edges. 

The shape is important here because it's so simple and allows the texture and color to really pop. I like the gradual color shift between blue to deep orange to light orange and nearly yellow. Orange pops and is one of my favorite shades. The texture is also prominent and can be stucco or even rock-like. It makes me want to feel it. 

This mug reminded me of a cubist painting. I thought it was solid and comforting in it's weight and also the choice of a calm, deep blue. The pattern is very intriguing with overlapping geometric shapes. There is a hint of a texture that peeks out from the inside of the brim which is nice compared to the relatively smooth, glass like texture of the outer body. 

This is rustic and homey looking and I can see making something like this to put on my outside picnic table to provide dusk lighting in a decorate candle holder. It's pretty and the shade of green makes me think of nature and a garden. 

This collection made me think of the wading pool creatures, like sea cucumbers, etc, you'd find at an aquarium. My favorite is the one on the far left and is reminiscent of coral. 

I like the shape of this vase only when combined with the jagged, irregular horizontal lines around it. Without them it would be pretty but boring. They offer an element of just-enough chaos that this piece needs. 

Raku Boxes

Scott Youngs' Raku Boxes