Basic tools = sophisticated forms

The pinch pot is the most elemental of pottery forms requiring simply one’s hands and a lump of clay. Because of this, it is often the first technique most of us learn when introduced to clay.

But that doesn’t mean it is merely a beginner technique. Many artists use pinching techniques to make sophisticated or complex forms. Lily Zuckerman makes beautiful vessels starting from a solid lump of clay, with no clay added and very little cut away. In today’s post, an excerpt from our latest book release Sculpting and Handbuilding, she explains her process. – Jennifer Harnetty, editor.

The Process

“Starting with a solid block of clay, I slowly and methodically pinch the form. No clay is added and very little clay is trimmed away‚ encompassing many changes of state, from the uncomplicated lump, heavy with potential, through precarious and fluid chaos, and ending with the form.” 

1. Initial stages of forming a vessel with her fingertips from a thick clay slab. 

 2. Pinching out the two chambers of the tray.

via: ceramic arts daily. Full article and demo here.

CFile

Great website for contemporary clay and class research. I'll put a link in the sidebar too!

CFile

Welcome!

Eastfield  students welcome to Handbuilding Ceramics Fall 2014!
Missing class and not looking at this blog is one way to fall behind so bookmark and check in often for inspiration, assignments info, calendar updates, important news, technical info and artist research.

I hope your ready to learn a few new things and challenge your ideas and expectations about contemporary clay in the world. That said, let's begin:

Lesson 1: Ming Dynasty Fu Dog 1968 AD = Traditional, historic and gorgeous glazed terracotta
or fabulous contemporary functional ware like Margaret Bohls

 Lesson 2: Kristen Morgin= unfired life-like sculpture 

or  Jeanne Quinn's sculptural installations = Unexpected, informative and sometimes even unfired!

Lesson 3: Ai WeiWei's installation of millions of ceramic sunflower seeds = Clay can reference the past and have a contemporary language full of consequence and power.

  "It is a work of great simplicity and complexity. Sunflower Seeds refers to everyday life, to hunger (the seeds were a reliable staple during the Cultural Revolution), to collective work, and to an enduring Chinese industry."-   Adrian Searle's  review for the Guardian

Lesson 4: Form follows Function. Beauty must not overshadow functionality...

Lauren Meaden