So, this is January and what have we done?? Started another 3D class is what. Looking forward very much to this year,
We are starting with making a series of ceramic picture frames. Rather than slip casting we will be applying a thin layer of clay once we have poured our moulds. First lesson we secured the frames to the board and used clay to ensure that there we no gaps and to provide a convex shape to allow easy removal from the mould. Next week we will complete the coddles mix and pour the paster which will take a week to dry before it can be fired. For my multiples I have an idea in my head that I would like to glaze the frames and in each one create a picture of a classic painting such as The Scream, Whistlers Mother etc. Don’t know if that is going to be possible but will soon find out
The plaster mould making went well and the plaster is quite clean with some nice detail. The next phase was to cast clay into the moulds, Unlike the slip casting this was done by rolling the clay out and pressing it into the mould. After about 30 minutes it was possible to remove the frames from the mould. Unfortunately I was feeling very tired and unwell so I only managed to make 2 frames. Angela mentioned that rather than imposing on the objects when raku firing it would be more fluid to experiment with glazes and let the process find its own way, so I have ditched the concept of making specific images inside the frame and look forward to having some fun with the glazing.