Ceramics - The Human Element
The first ceramics project that we are doing in class with teacher, Judy Sigunick, is a 18 inch coil pot. She has been a great guide throughout this project. Showing me techniques to use in forming, and balancing this tall cylinder. First, the clay is prepared to be worked on. Then a base is made approximately 4" round. Then the clay is rolled into long coils. You then start wrapping and securing the coils on to the base until the project is molded in the 18 inch cylinder.
The next step is to create an idea for the cylinder. It can be etched into the clay using clay tools that can carve skillfully into the cylinder. In this project, I added a few branches that extend out from the cylinder. It was a good idea to put this large project on a pedestal base so it could be easily moved around without lifting it all the time.
My project is called the "Branch Of Life" it can be utilized as a vase with a few other portals for flower distribution. The reason I picked that name was because it relates to my family in a continuing branching of love that is extended from the tree. The addition of a red cardinal that sits near the tree represents a bird that my mother loved. I thought that was a touching addition to this branching of love and family.
The photograph here depicts this project in the stage of drying and getting ready for firing. It will then be glazed and fired again.
Marlene Link - Woodason
