Wednesday 11 June 2008

My new poppy bowls


came out of the kiln yesterday and I uploaded a couple of them to my shop. Out of the first test pieces, I was happy with these three...


and will be putting a couple more through before the end of the week. They are pinch pots, and each one is created in the palm of my hand from a single piece of clay. No molds or wheels are used. I have loved poppies since my degree show where I grew troughs of them and arranged the troughs as part of a sculptural installation piece. Clearly the intervening seven years in interior design have resulted in a less high brow/more practical object. The texture in the centre is created by drawing into the surface of the clay.
I used the same dark pink/red glossy glaze on each, but in varying amounts, and mixed it with various other things to emphasize the detail. All the ones that I was happy with were made using white grogged T material. (mmmm I love that clay!) Unfortunately, the ones I tried on the crank clay were horrible. The glazes just did not look good. I've tried an experiment on the crank again with a more orange red glaze that I'll get out of the kiln in a couple of days, so I'm hoping that will work better.
However, that said, I think I'll concentrate more on the combination above, as these really are quite beautiful with a candle in or just on their own. They're perfect for summer, but with gorgeous colour that would brighten up a winter's night too.

As ever, comments welcome...

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

As always, your work is fantastic and quite magical. I just love every piece you make and how it relates to nature and your interpretation of it. (I happen to love poppies too.)

Elizabeth Prince Ceramics said...

Thanks Shannon!

Summer Edward said...

All of your work is really lovely. Simplicity really is elegance! Your blog makes me want to learn ceramics myself! I'd like to see more of your jewelry :)

Elizabeth Prince Ceramics said...

Thank you! Funnily enough I am working on more jewelry at the moment, but it's a little while off being ready yet... As for learning ceramics, find a way to have a go at it if you can, but be warned, it is seriously addictive stuff! I have a feeling you'd really love it.

Anonymous said...

These are just so beautiful....I love the simplicity of poppies and you have truly captured them with these bowls!!!! I need to go see how mine are growing now!!!