What does it mean

Linda assigned us 5 sculptures to make. I started making them and really enjoyed working with the slabs..I made 9, just because I could. 

A flat slab base is rolled and cut to size, I take hard slabs and attach the two together. I then take soft slabs that are then laid over, I start to blend the edges and manipulate the clay. I started working with the contrast of line and light/shadow as my main concerns. 

The next step is to take one of these 12'' ones and turn it into a 24'' one...by wednesday, I'm going to try making 2, just because I can. 

Cups, Jugs, slips, Jars, and some sculptures

Marc Egan was giving us a lesson on slip decorating techniques...everything under the sun. Marc is an expert using the cuerda Seca decoration technique. Heres some of his work. 

http://64.34.111.241/~davidk/wordpress/?page_id=19

I've also spent the last week killing myself trying to get projects done my classes, the mugs are test tiles for slip techniques, the sculptures are ida builders and the jars/jugs will be used for maiolica samples. 

Texture, Texture, more Texture...oh look a wall

We hit the ground running these last two weeks. For our three ceramic related classes there are a number of assignments due each week, so the entire class has been staying late and coming in on the weekends to get the stuff done.

These are some test tiles for Mark Egan's studio technology class. I found that the more you cut, tear, re assemble, throw, paddle, squish, press, and roll.... the more interesting textures you can make.

We've been making simple forms for Lindsey 's class The plan is to make three of each plus some of those tall pitchers I posted earlier. They'll all be decorated using maiolica.... I think I may also incorporate some coer de decal.  

Getting that form just right

Today the studio began a group commission, we need to make 150 mugs, some of us had some time so  we started, we're up to about 40 so far and its looking pretty good. This is the first shape is a basic trumpet form thrown to a gage with 1 1/4lb of clay, I threw 15 and then helped put the handles on. Its interesting throwing someone else's cup design, there's a lot more pressure to get that form just right...I think I could grow to like this kind of production.  

                        

Hugh had a rubber stamp made, we can press it into the clay or if we want we can use it with underglaze. I think this commission will lead to many for our department.

The Moment of Creative Inspiration

I took the weekend to sit down and catch up on those things that we all tend to forget about. My Biography, Curriculum vitae and Grant writing. While I was searching for my originals I came across this quote that was given to my ceramics class at Beal Art. This always get my gears turning.

      "Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don't bother concealing your thievery--celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: "Its not where you take things from-- its where you take them to."      -Jim Jarmusch

This is a jug that I dreamt about then when I made the original, one of my professors asked where the spout was, my quick reply was "jugs don't need spouts" and I quickly pointed to one of his whisky jugs that didn't have one....he came back an hour later and told me that I was going to put a spout on it, and he showed me how to make one like this. Cut out a circle clean it up and cut a "U" shape on the main body, attach and let dry.  

The Gallery

Today I stopped in at the Sheridan Gallery. The exhibition which includes all of the Ceramic work from our semesters labours is shown. Here's a little shameless self promotion on my part. 

http://66.147.244.197/~eyeonshe/annual-ceramic-art-gallery-2013/

When I walked into the show I couldn't help but feel inspired, its amazing what everyone was able to make in such a short amount of time. I have a great sense of pride when I tell people that I'm studying ceramics at Sheridan Institute.

Ceramic Salamander Pottery: Jordan Scott

I created this blog to keep my family and friends up to date about what I'm doing in School. Because of all the support that my mum has given me during my adventures with clay, I thought it would be cool to name my business, Ceramic Salamander Pottery. She always wanted to open a jewellery store and call it The Silver Salamander.