I am getting there!!! Very slowly though...

I have took out my last tests from the kiln today and at first I was very disappointed with the results.
It took me good few hours to understand that there may be still faults in my models but I have learnt a lot from my last two firings so I should be happy rather then sad.

I definitely have to make my next pieces a bit thicker as they break very easily.

I have decided to try the same forms in pure porcelain as it looks that when used at good thickness it is light enough and keeps the given shape quite well.

I also got an idea for piece that will collapse in the kiln and I think I have gathered enough informations in my tests to 'control' the fall.

So over all I am pleased with the results. Now please judge them yourselves :

All this pieces worked out quite well, in the future I will need to create more contact between the slabs.

This one broke when I was taking it from the kiln. It is extremely thin and there were cracks before firing so it was doomed from the beginning.

I was surprised to see this tests surviving and keeping exactly the shape they were given.

I think I will make more of them.

This one was left to move on it's own. I think It's quite nice but way too thin.

That was my biggest disappointment. When I have open the kiln I knew straight away what I've done wrong: I had put it on a side instead of standing up!!! I was furious and couldn't believe how silly I am.

When working with porcelain one have to think all the time! There is no place for automatic moves and routine!!! So next time: Think before you do Aga!!! :)

On the other hand I like the way it looks at the first photo and I already have some ideas for next piece.

All this pieces are made from porcelain and I am very happy with them, especially with the last one.

That's all from this week. It looks like I'm gonna have fun next week so wait for the updates :)

Comments

Porcelain Paperclay

I still don't know exactly how my finished pieces are going to look like but I know that I want to make something light and translucent. That is why I had decided to work in porcelain. Some of the forms can be too difficult to construct in porcelain without risking that they will collaps in the kiln. In order to overcome this obstacle I had prepared some paperclay which is lighter and hopefully will keep the shape better. First I cut porcelain in small pieces and let them get bone dry. Then I crushed them even more and added water to make smooth slip. When I had porcelain slip prepared I teared up some toilet paper and soaked it in hot water. After some time I sieved it and mixed with porcelain slip.

Some glazes and more textures

I am almost done with the preparation for the Degree Show and in last 2 weeks I've tested some glazes on the tiles. I didn't want to loose the definition of the lines and decided to glaze only insets and I am very please with the results :D I also had a chance to take better photos of my glazed prints and textures. On top of that there are some new textures here and I think that I will live them unglazed. So here it goes: Still hot from the kiln :D

Final Project :)

Hi again :) This time I have just one FINAL project :) I had to pick something that will keep me interested and excited for a whole year so it may not be a surprise to some of you that I decided to base my work onece again on architecture. Most of my inspiration photos are already in the previous post -I just love the patters and reflections in them. Here are some of them just to remind you what I have in mind. And here is what I did in PhotoShop to bring some of the plans forward and broaden my research. Now I just have to do the magic and get something interesting out of them in my sketchbook :) I am looking forward to do that but on the other hand I know it is a tough project.... Well I hope to update you soon with my drawings and swatches :) Please let me know what you think :)

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