The Fourth Assignment
April 1, 2008 by Melynn
The fourth assignment in my ceramics class was to put two thrown pieces together to build a tall vessel. When my teacher demonstrated this technique, her vessel ended up looking like a giant elephant leg and was over 3 feet tall. She had to stand up in order to add the finishing touches. This 16 inch pitcher is the only piece I finished to completion. The first one collapsed when I attached the top half, most likely from overworking the clay. The bottom has to be a little more set up than the top so that it can support the weight, and the top (an open-ended cylinder) has to be firm enough to hold its shape when mounted on the bottom, yet supple enough to keep pulling up and make a rim. Then there is the trick of concealing where they join. This assignment was a lot of fun and I’m quite happy with the way my vessel turned out, even if there is only one to show for my efforts. I plan on making a few more of this particular design and playing around with the surface, either by carving into it or using a slip design for decoration. How to glaze it will be another story.
I am always struck by how graceful are the things you throw even when you’ve just learned a new technique. (Yes, I realize that you don’t necessarily photograph everything you try to do!)
Nan Rothwell (my teacher) has demonstrated this technique several times, and makes it look easy, even while poking fun at herself and criticizing her work. This isn’t something I have felt inclined to attempt yet, myself. Maybe in another ten years or so. So much easier to look at yours, and Nan’s.
Hey 16 inches is 16 inches, that is quite a feat. Frank is right it does look graceful. Stick with your plan to make more I can’t wait to see them glazed! kt
Your vessel is standing “tall and proud”…you should be too!
That is beautiful: classic, simple and very stylish. You are the artist, but if I were to have it in my home, I’d love the glaze to be classic and simple too. Your work is lovely.
I think simple is the way to go with the glaze too, Sally. Thanks!
graceful is the perfect word to describe your work! i agree….the lines of this pitcher are lovely and simple. it seems as if it longs for a dinner table setting to make its home. beautiful work, melynn
Hi Melynn,
It’s been quite a while since I spoke with you last. I wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed your pottery, both the using of it, and the giving it to very appreciative people.
Thanks for sharing you talent…
oh, and the new vessel is elegant!
Cheers,
Jeannette