My husband and I have been taking classes in wheel-thrown pottery for six years. Our instructor, Lewis Snyder, is a well known potter who made specially designed dinnerware for many U.S. presidents.
My fascination with mud and glaze began as a child of ten when I took "ceramics" classes--you know--the ones where you pick a piece made from a mold, glaze it, and have it fired. I ended up learning how to pour slip into molds, load a kiln, and watch a firing.
There is something relaxing about knowing how to take a lump of clay and work with it until you have something new! There are several different types of clay--stoneware, terra cotta, and porcelain. There are also many types of glazes that are matched with specific temperatures for firing.
After six years, you can imagine how many pieces we have! Some of the pieces are useful (bowls, trays, serving dishes, etc.), but some I use as part of room design. The pieces add interest to the room and in some cases provide a focal point.
Here are several:
Plate ledge: Dinnerware on a plate ledge over beadboard in a dining room. This pattern is made by dipping the piece into a base glaze and then using a syringe to drip additional glazes.
Wine cabinet: Stoneware bowl with clay body showing, high fire glaze (black) on the outside with a wash made from sponging off the glaze to reveal the clay body. Inside glaze is turquoise for added interest.
Hall table: I love the simplicity of the tall taper combined with this piece. The piece was thrown first. The design was rolled on the outside and then sprayed with a red-gold glaze (outside) and cream on the inside. By spraying lightly, the specks come out in the glaze (inside).
Coffee table: My husband threw this piece. It's approximately 24" in diameter. He waxed out the top to keep the clay body and then dipped in two different colors. Last, he used a syringe to add the blue glaze in the center.
Favorite: This is one of my favorite pieces. It was part of an assigned project which required throwing, adding a handle and foot, and using applique. My theme was oceanic, so, I tried to simulate a fishing net, shells, and barnacles!
If you liked this, you might also want to check out:
Even if you are not a potter, I encourage you to seek out interesting pieces for decorating and design. You might also like to try it...it's very relaxing...
and always remember, it's fun to play in the mud!
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