Hello everyone! I’m excited to update you all on the projects I mentioned in my last post, as well as some new projects I’ve been having a lot of fun working on. I’ve been really inspired lately, and I think my ceramics journal, which I’ve been talking about in my last few posts, is a key factor. Having a plan before starting a new project has helped me immensely. Who would’ve thought? I’m so glad I finally started documenting. I’ve been working on a series of lighthouses thrown on the wheel, and though I loosely planned how I wanted things to look, I didn’t know how much clay to use for certain parts or how thick to leave them. Noting exactly what I did was so helpful when I tried to do it again. It turned out much better than the first because I knew exactly what to do. I’ll show you what my documentation looks like and how it helped me improve!
So, moral of the story, sticking to a plan works well for me! I think the reason having a plan works better now than it did in my previous ceramics courses is that I finally have the skill set to make it work. Before, I was letting the clay control what I did. I think once I took that control back, my pieces started looking better and became easier to make because I knew what to expect.
With that being said, I’m in love with these lighthouses! I want to make a series of them with all different functions. For example, I could make one into a tea light holder by cutting holes in the top, or even make it into a pitcher and cup set. The base could be a pitcher with a lid, and the top would be a cup and saucer combo. I’m going to brainstorm a couple of other functions, but if you have any ideas of what I could make these lighthouses into, leave me a comment below! I would love to hear your thoughts, even if theres a certain color that you think would look good! Unfortunately, I don’t have any better pictures of what my second light house looks like to give you a better idea, but I’ll be posting the process of me throwing it on my Instagram, if you’re interested, @jennaking05_art! Theres so many possibilities for this lighthouse series, and I’m so excited to keep experimenting with them.
Before I sign off, I want to give you a couple of quick updates on my other studio classes. The project I’m currently working on in Printmaking is zinc etching, and so far, I only have a sketch. I prepped my zinc plate, but I haven’t drawn my design on it yet, so I’ll just show you the sketch!
I referenced one of the photos that my friend and fellow blogger, Marissa Nowak, took of me throwing on the wheel. I just simplified it so that it would translate better once it was etched. I’m going to make a few minor adjustments when I draw it onto the plate, but I’m excited to see how it turns out!
My last update is on the relief tile that I was working on in my Mixed Media class. I finished the relief, and this photo was taken right before I poured plaster over it to create a mold. The mold turned out great, and I’ve since made one successful cast. I don’t have pictures yet because I haven’t cleaned it up, but I’ll be sure to snap some once I do.
Well, I think that’s all I have for this week. I had a feeling there would be a lot of creative success this semester, and I’m so glad it’s turning out that way so far. Thank you for tuning in to my updates, and I hope you have a great week! Stay creative 🙂
-Jenna