Hand-building Ceramic Figurative Forms

Figurative forms can be a sculpture, a vase, candleholders, a pot…the possibilities are vast and the choice is yours.


This is my grande scheme! I expect that working on your piece will take the entire class time. However, we all work at different paces. If you finish early, I have a few small projects you can do while the others keep working.

Before your next class: DESIGN

Find inspiration (see below) and come to class with a vision of what you want to make. Bring a picture on your phone or make a sketch.
Think about the building and decorating techniques you’ve learned. Consider how you’ll construct your form and then how you’ll decorate it.
It would be helpful if you know the final size* of your piece and make a paper template for your cylinder. (Or you can do it in class)

  • *Maximum permitted size of your finished piece: 20 (height) x 15 x 15cm
  • If you want to make a candle holder – make 2
  • If figures just aren’t your thing, feel free to go off-piste

w/c16 Sept: BUILD YOUR FORM

I envision that we’ll discuss your design at the beginning of class and I’ll help you figure out how to make it and get you started.

w/c 23 Sept: DECORATE

Use one or all of the techniques from your practice piece; slips, wax resist, sgraffito, and slip trailing

w/c 30 Sept: APPLY UNDERGLAZES

Your piece will be bisque fired so you’ll be able to “colour in” the shapes you outlined with black underglaze.

Inspiration

As you look at these examples, try to think about how the form was constructed and the decorating techniques used by the potter.

  • Wise King by John Maltby
  • I've worked as a Pottery technician and Tutor of Ceramics for over twenty years. I have thoroughly enjoyed passing on my knowledge of the subject to others but after losing my mum to a brain tumour...
  • Love Jane Muir's quirky figures
  • Lions Candlesticks
  • bonnie marie smith #art #ceramic #sculpture
  • Sarah Saunders ceramics
  • Bekijk hier keramiek van Nel Rood, uit Wadway / Wognum. Haar unieke beelden zijn van klei/keramiek en gemiddeld 25 tot 50 cm hoog.
  • Lovely danish candlestick lady
  • Peiser, Jane, Vase, c. 1980's CE
  • Spring Family Bud Vases Ceramic Vases Pottery Planter Vases | Etsy