View Larger Image Left: Gestrual Teapot, 8 inches in height, Shino with ash, cone 10 reduction. Right: White Vase, 15 inches in height, salt fired to cone 11.

December 12, 2007

Throwing Altered Shapes

by Gabriel Brubacher | Read Comments (2)

My approach to ceramics begins with throwing simple forms on the wheel, then altering them to create a desired effect. Here’s a simple way to alter and give a new look to a vase form. This straightforward approach includes three basic ideas: create the form, alter the contour and make the cylinder oval. These steps are open to many interpretations and experimentation is encouraged. With a few extra steps, it’s easy to turn this vase form into a teapot, pitcher, basket or covered jar.

Forming and Altering the Cylinder
Center and open to the wheel head. Throw the cylinder to the desired height. Use a rib to clean the walls of the cylinder. As the cylinder turns, push out from the inside with a rubber rib. Draw a line with a dull pointed tool on the outside just below the rib to accentuate the movement (see photo 1, below). Repeat this motion a second time. You can decide if you would like the lines to emulate each other. After developing the contour, cut the form from the wheel.

Shaping the Oval and Attaching the Bottom
Once the form is free, distort it into an oval starting at the bottom. The extent of distortion is up to you. Allow the form to set up (I let mine set up overnight). Roll out or throw a slab and place it onto the wheel. Score the form and slab (photo 2). For further information on Gabriel Brubacher’s approach to throwing and shaping altered shapes, as well as many other artists’ forming techniques, check out Throwing and Handbuilding.

Finishing Touches
Attach the cylinder by pressing and smoothing the bottom edge into the slab (photo 3). Cut and remove the excess clay. Bevel the edge and use a sponge to clean the connection. Use a rubber rib to clean and create a concaved bottom.

                                  

For Further Information
See a term you weren’t quite sure of? Then visit the Ceramic Arts Daily Glossary.