Mould making rotation 2

The mould-making rotation is next we will be doing plaster moulds for slip-casting and press-moulding. The final objects should follow a theme, mine will be mechanical abstract. To start decide how to cast the chosen object 2 or 3 piece mould? Then find the half-way line by measuring with a set square, some objects already have a useable half-way mark. Most of my objects are plastic so are made in moulds and have a mark. I start with a plastic margarita glass which has a half-way mark. I build up clay around it up to the half-way line also coming out approx 2-3 inches from each side into a rectangle. The straight edges are to make the boards easier to place. The boards are placed around the clay edge the sides and joins are sealed with soft clay. A brick is used to estimate how much plaster is needed; plaster is quantified in pints to kg. The plaster is made and then poured over object and clay. When the plaster is set the boards are removed, and the base of the plaster smoothed with a sander thing. The clay surrounding the object is removed except if there is a ‘bung’ for the spare slip. The ‘bung’ is moved to create a mirror of itself in the next piece of the mould. Flipped over with the object still in the plaster, notches are made with a 2p coin or I find a tea spoon easier. The plaster is then wiped over with soft soap to prevent the next layer of plaster sticking to the first. The boards are put up around the plaster and object, more plaster is poured on top to make the second piece of the mould. When the plaster is set the boards are again taken away the sides and top smoothed. The mould can then be opened and the object taken out. Rubber bands are put around the mould and it is left to dry out completely. The mould will be ready to pour slip into.

Throwing Lids

Russian lid!

Thrown lids 1st attempt.

Turning leather hard pots to finish the surface and level the bases. To turn you must find the centre of the pot this is not easy, by attaching the pot to the wheel with a bit of clay then trying to find the centre. Using a metal tool to shape and finish pots.

The recycled clay we were using had tiny particles of grog mixed in, this meant the grog bits dragged around the pots as they were turned leaving grooves/lines.

I also went too deep into a couple of pots breaking through the bottom. Advanced turning leaves elegant bases and smooth sides.

Picture showing how it should be done!

Also link under 'Turning pots'.

More throwing pictures

Turned pots and bowls.

Experimenting with types of lids.

Pulling in centre.

Throwing week 1.

Columns.

Throwing

Throwing with ash white clay.

BA Ceramics 1st year rotations

The first term sets off with a series of workshops designed to acquaint you with several techniques of ceramic manipulation/creation.

There are also visual exploration classes, technical classes and lectures from visiting ceramists/artists.

My first rotation is throwing on the potter’s wheel; the expectation is to learn the fundamentals of throwing such as: the important basic of centring, opening, lifting, making into a desired shape and lid making/creating something with two pieces. The clay we are using is ash white clay and is quite plastic, in theory easier for beginners to work with. Ash white clay is a mix of 3 parts Ball clay to 1 part China clay. I find throwing a bit of a challenge I have periods of great success and times when I seem to lose my throwing mojo completely. The frustration of throwing over and over but having no tangible results is discouraging to say the least. From the rotation the positives are: I have improved my centring technique, the forms I have made are balanced and centred. I have made bowls, cylinders and tapered forms. I have tried to make flanged lids which are ok-but a little thick at the base. The lids knobs are quite interesting and I like the faint look of Russian palace spirals. The pots that were successful got progressively thinner and had less heaviness at the bottom as my ‘pulling up’ improved. I think my throwing requires quite a bit more practice to be at a level that I would be proud of! I do like the aesthetics of thrown objects and will continue to pursue better outcomes. The immediacy of throwing along with the flowing quality maintained in the clay is attractive. I have done some research for the rotation looking at forms using thrown forms and the history of throwing.

I will post photographs and research material following this entry.