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| LORA Vase |
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| Asian Harmony |
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| Very Bird Set |
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| Very Bird Set |
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Process
Design
My creative process combines sculpture, pottery and
3-D design techniques. I sketch small, quick ideas,
and then explore them in plaster and clay. I love
carving plaster and have made many plaster models. I
use these models to see the variations within a form,
and to observe it as it shifts with subtle changes.
I also throw clay on the wheel. This allows me to get
a sense of the basic shape, to really feel it from
inside and out. I work the curves and the volume.
Then I explore proportions – the relationship of foot,
body, and lip. Finally, I adjust the wheel-made piece
from its symmetry to curves that take different
directions. The result ing piece moves and grows as
you turn it in your hands.
Production
After I complete the original design, I make a plaster
mold. This allows me to reproduce the cup, bowl or
vase many times over, using clay specially formulated
for pouring into molds. The slip clay is silky smooth
and rich, and a joy to work with. I also see mold
making as an art in itself – each mold a thing of
beauty and function. Each piece is removed from the
mold by hand, then cleaned and finished by hand. This
handling gives all my work its individual character.
I continuously experiment with my process and
materials. I make all of my glazes and earthenware
colors. This means that designs change and evolve
frequently. Because I am in control of my production,
I like to do small runs of each piece, then change it
in an interesting way and make a new mold. I am free
to introduce new glaze colors, a new glaze treatment,
or a new colored clay. And best of all, I am free to
make new forms. All this goes to say that the pieces
are unique because I enjoy making and changing them.
The piece you purchase is from a limited edition.
Your piece belongs to a particular time and place in
my creative journey.
Materials
Porcelain
Black and white porcelain is used to show the subtle
softness of the shapes and emphasize light and shadow.
The material is both glass and stone-like, left
unglazed to show off its natural sheen. It is fully
vitreous and holds liquid beautifully. It has a
formal quality, which allows the pieces to look like
sculpture.
Earthenware
Earthenware is a lower temperature clay that has a
warm, light, sturdy quality. It holds its shape
easily and allows for a variety of glaze colors and
surfaces. It is perfect for holding the strong curves
of my pieces. I associate it with granite, brick,
tile and mortar. I color the earthenware in soft
mauve, charcoal and brown to suggest the materials of
home.
Glazes
I love the soft satin sheen of my glazes -- they
shimmer. This surface truly highlights the forms,
absorbing light and reflecting it softly. Each curve
dazzles. Colors are basic and soft, to fit in any
environment. From black and white, to mocha and
seashell, to beige, grey, muted green, soft yellow and
peach.
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