The lights are on

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Yesterday was spent in the studio trying to make up for lost time. I got quite a bit done and left feeling less like a slacker and more like a rock star (a clay rock star...). I made some components for the next update but I also worked on some things for myself. (Very important for maintaining my mental health)

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So, what's this, you ask? Can you guess?
It was the inspiration and tool I used to make....

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...these giant, hollow beads. It's a nightlight cover, actually. I looked at it the other day and thought it had such a great shape and texture - perfect for pressing some clay into. I made each half and then put them together to form these very pod-like/organic/cocoon-ish forms. They are bisque firing right now and hopefully I will glaze them this weekend. I'm thinking matte, earthy colors... but I'm open to any other ideas.

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This shot gives you an idea of how big they are. They will shrink a little after the final firing but will still be pretty substantial. The big question is how to use them. It's fun to make large, sculptural beads but what good are they if you can't make something freaking amazing with them?! That remains to be seen.

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I made a nice big batch of large birds. Some of these will go into my next update, some will be for me. You can see a bit of the process that goes into them. These are birds in the rough. :)

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This batch is kind of fun. Lizard skin texture and wonky holes go well together. Is it just me or does the prospect of having to deal with odd number, off-center holes in a component make you giddy too? Strange, I know, but I love a challenge.

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Lastly, these are the test pieces I made from my stenciling experiment last week. I am curious to see how they fire and whether or not the black slip I mixed up stays black. Depending on the outcome some of these pieces might make it into my next Extra update. Unless they are wretchedly ugly. Then they will go into my archive of hideous pieces and never see the light of day. ;)


Comments

mairedodd said…
i love that 'hey, what would happen if?' moment too - and then when it translates, it's even better... the pods are great (and cannot imagine what they will be like with color)... looking forward to seeing the stenciling experiments and all the rest! yes, i do love a good odd number wacky position challenge...
Looks like you've been having lots of fun creating!
What cone do you fire to? If you use cone 6, I know of a nice BLACK porcelain slip that stays really black!
Can't wait to see the final results! (And even if you think they are wretchedly ugly, someone else out there may just LOVE them!)
Have a great Thursday!
Anonymous said…
I like the pods. Brilliant idea. How about a variety of greens glazed on each. Otherwise, brown is cool...they'd look wooden, or how about an intense orchid and magenta mix. Or wild orange?
Sheryl Parsons said…
Wow! I'm duly impressed! I like how you used the nightlight cover for a shape and pattern. They are fantastic. :-)
maria said…
All very organically gorgeous!! pods would be great in shiny (I reckon...)
Andrew Thornton said…
You are a CLAY ROCK STAR! Looks like you've been busy and making lots of lovely things! Keep up the good work!
Deborah said…
Looking forward to see those glorious pieces glazed especially the birds :)
Wow!!! You make the most amazing clay pieces !! These giant pods looks really nice and you had an awesome idea with the nightlight cover!!! but i also love all your other pieces !! The stenciling experiment looks very nice ! I can't wait to see them glazed !!
Shine on my friend !! :o)
Claire Maunsell said…
Such great ideas - love the large pod beads, but then, I'm obsessed with pods in my work. Can't wait to see them glazed. Also the lizard skin...
Thoughtfulhands said…
You always come up with amazing ideas for your pieces...Like those pinch pieces you made they look great in your finished jewelry, hope to nab-up one of those birds too. I think those pods would look great in that gold with dark accents color you have been using.
These are all great - love the big beads but think the lizard skin is particularly droolworthy!
Patty said…
Night light pods...brilliant!

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