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The problem was to “create a visually dynamic object using color, open forms, texture and rhythm”. I knew I wanted a new desk organizer but didn’t want to pay for a fancy one when I could make a cool one. The other factors to the problem was to throw 10 figures on the wheel. When I read this I immediately knew they all had to be a bit different from each other because I figured making 10 different forms was harder than making them look the same. I decided I was down for the challenge. Another challenge I created for myself was to use more than the required amount of clay and to make sure I used the material sparingly. Maybe it would have been more of a challenge to use less clay since i’m used to working with larger amounts of clay.

Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures during this process. The only update I have is once it had all been constructed and glazed before the bisque fire.

Here you can see the form when it was in the pre-bisqued stage. I wanted each form that was attached to be a different color so that you could distinguish the different sections from one another. I loved how it turned out and I think the colors were perfectly muted. Except once I saw the piece out of the bisque fire, I immediately knew I had to glaze it as one solid color. I also thought there might be took much going on with this piece, if it were to be one color it would be easier for the eyes to focus on the whole piece while also having the chance the focus on one, since every form has something different.

The original plan was to glaze it clear on top of the colors but I think that glazing it a nice purple like the form in the front is a definite, then glaze it clear.

This is the form after I added the purple underglaze to the bisque fired piece. I liked the deep purple that developed in spots where I had already applied the clear to the purple underglaze. I have hope that it’ll turn out the same after the glaze firing. We shall see.

The next half of the problem was to create 4 cylinders that relate in surface design and volume, are wheel trimmed, and functional. My solution was to create four different shapes that relate to each other using glaze and design.

For this half of the problem I did not have a specific idea in mind. The only factor that went into finalizing these pieces was to make the functional and usable. I hope that each one can find a specific use for it.

I love how this piece turned out once it was done. Even though I only used underglaze and clear glaze on this piece there were parts that look like they could’ve been a “sexy” gloss glaze. (Don’t mind me quoting Professor Sevigney). I would say this piece was very successful and I feel very proud of it. This is also a perfect example of my favorite ceramic quote, “fuck around find out”. You will never know how your piece will turn out.