Unit 1
Wedged Clay
This was my second attempt at wedging clay because it took me a while to understand the correct motion. After getting help from other people at my table, I was able to get the hang of it and wedge the clay successfully.
Stamp
Plan:
1. Wedge clay and form into ball
2. Pull out handle and form the rest into a flat circle
3. Make the sun shape and score and slip onto stamp
Reflection:
I did not end up glazing or firing this because I was not happy with it. The relief was not deep enough to effectively stamp anything, and I did not keep the base as flat as it should have been. I would like to eventually try again now that I have a better grasp on attaching clay.
Face
Plan:
1. Wedge claim and form into egg shape.
2. Press in eye sockets and form balls to make eyes.
3. Score and slip eyelids around the sockets. Score and slip a piece of clay to become the forehead.
4. Form nose separately, then score and slip the nose onto the face.
5. Use needle tool to form a mouth, then score and slip on a long tube to be the bottom lip.
6. Use needle tool to create wrinkles and emphasize facial features.
Reflection:
I also did not glaze this piece after it was fired as bisqueware. I ended up being happy with how it turned out; the detail came out well and I am proud of the facial expression. However, I don't know what I would do with this. So, glazing it felt like a waste of glaze for something I wouldn't use or display and I decided to slop it.
Underglaze Piece
1. Wedge clay, then flatten with the slab roller.
2. Place the flattened clay on a plate mold and wait to dry.
3. Paint underglaze piece, then remove clay from mold.
4. Dry and fire at cone 06
5. Clear glaze and low-fire
Reflection:
I ended up being very happy with how this piece came out. I am proud of the design and how I executed it. There were a few lumps from the layers of underglaze. If I were to do this again, I might add another layer of clear glaze. This would hopefully make it smoother. However, I am not using it for anything that would require it to be smooth, so I do not mind the lumps that much.