We learned a number of processes within this block, from throwing on the wheel to constructing vessels using both coil and pinch pot methods.
I've just posted a few photographs of the processes and of the pieces I made:
Formation of my first coil pot
Here is the pot once I had decided on the form. At this point I focused on smoothing the surface by scraping with toothed tools and then smoothing over the give a more consistent surface.
Second coil pot formed
Wire piece to complement the vessel
Vessels were fired in a kiln to harden the clay and then they were dipped into a resist slip followed by a sacrificial glaze. The resist prevents the glaze attaching to the clay and gives the distinctive raku smoked effect.
Pots going in for the raku firing.
When the pots come out of the raku kilm they are immediately put into a bath of sawdust and the lid is put on. The smoke generated gives the exposed clay it's distinctive colour.
Pots in the sawdust bath once the smoke and fire has subsided.
the areas that had been glazed came out a dark grey metallic colour which was then picked off the reveal the smoked effect underneath. In the second photo you can see the marks made from scraping through the glaze and slip using a knife.
Finished pieces
My bowl I threw on the wheel, really enjoyed that!
