Coming Soon Has Finally Arrived!

I know two months is hardly coming soon.

But I’m not a full time blogger-obviously…..

If I take time to publish and write these blogs……that means less time to make art and make beautiful music.  So to all those waiting patiently ..... many thanks.  Finally,  here for your viewing pleasure....more photos and descriptions.  

Theme Assignment for April 2014 shows:  Present a series of 5 related works of art.

Location:  Arlington Artists Alliance (AAA) Gallery Underground in Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia

 Here is the Gallery Underground in Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia. 

Our dedicated gallery manager and Talented artist:  Sandy Parker at the desk.

For the Series Show:  I selected a study of perforated and pierced ceramic artwork. I already had two pieces made and then added 3 new works for my total of 5.  The announcement of the themed show did not allow sufficient time to make 5 entirely new pieces.  But I did want to re-visit and expand on the “pierced/perforated Theme.   

From my collection:  Item 1.  Pierced rim vase 

The first  is  a 10 inch diameter  extruded “Clover leaf” tube with a slab bottom.  I enlarged and worked the top portion and pierced only the rim section.  Only the top outside and inside was glazed.   Oxide stains are on the lower carved outside surface.  I find it interesting to be able to view the inside surfaces from the outside.  One of my favorite glazes Tin Barn Blue.  Additionally, the light reflects out thru the holes.  I was inspired by Geodes.

This work represents one of the first explorations of poking holes through perfectly good pots.   

Must say .....the “first hole” is the most difficult. I agonize:  “Do I really want to do that?” “Why am I doing this?”  “This is really stupid!”   As my hand hesitates with the hole cutter???? What the heck am I doing as first one hole and then another penetrates the wall.  Then the question arises:  When to stop?  I don’t know what compelled me to begin this folly but I just keep on going???

Item 2: 

 

This second  work is a double walled and perforated vase.  So even though you can see light passing through the outside portions…… there is a 1.5 inch tube inserted down the center  all the way to the bottom which holds water and is totally functional.  

 This is a slab built piece which was draped around one of those orange construction cones.  I attached a  slab bottom and inserted an extruded tube in the center. 







When poking the holes with the hole cutter I had to be extremely careful NOT to go to far or I would penetrate the inner extruded tube. 

This was not glazed on the outside because the holes would’ve been sealed.  Rather I used an under glaze when at the leather hard stage.  Yes,  the inside of the tube is glazed and waterproof.  It is totally functional as a vase. 

New Work:

The three bowls below represent the newest works for this themed show.  Same construction methods for all: 

Rolled out 24 inch x 24 inch about 3/4 inch thick .  I use recycled clay.  The  slabs are draped over a large  plaster mold.  An extruded foot ring is attached and then the rims are refined or left in the rough.  Each hole is individually pierced at least 3-4 times before the clay reaches the leather hard stage.  And YES!! It is very difficult to handle that amount of clay!!!! Sometimes it flops around, pulls apart, falls on the floor and has air bubbles.  And if you are wondering...YES I do have a mechanical slab roller. I don't make these slabs with a rolling pin. I use a Northstar 24 Inch slab roller.  I love it!!!  

 Item #3

 
 The largest-red bowl is approx 16” in diameter, 11 inches tall. The same mold was used for all.  Only the rims are different.   For the largest red bowl I smoothed the rim.   

 All three bowls had a black under glaze applied at the leather hard stage and then I used a very thin clear glaze which did not clog up the holes. 

 

 Item #4:
 For the Chartreuse Bowl I decided to leave the rim in a more organic state. 

 

Item #5:

 For the black bowl I smoothed the rim a little but left it raggedy.

All items were first bisque fired to cone 05 and then glaze fired to cone 6 in an electric L&L kiln. 

Feel free to leave your comments ask a question and share your reactions. I know my work does not appeal to everyone.  But I’m making this stuff to please myself and have fun. But this blog stuff is a challenge!!! And I'm  obviously not a professional photographer.  Marcia Koski Finnerty