Monday, October 31, 2011

MONDAY BLUES IV

For a long time I have been interested in making pots that are just on the verge of instability. Through trial and error, I realized that there is a fine line with these leaning pots and if they are ultimately to be functional, there is only so far askew that they can go. In the end, I figured if it works for a famous leaning tower in Italy, it can work in pottery. The two illustrated mugs were thrown round, cut, darted and end up with a distinct lean. The pair is terra cotta with slips and a Persian glaze over. Though neither leans that much, the really interesting part of these is that when filled with liquid, the liquid is level to the surface they stand on and the lips curve down to the contents. It presents a rather fun dimension to the mug and sometimes gives you the feeling the cup is moving. Probably the perfect cup for a different perspective, to start another week.

“I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I am going to be happy in it.” A Quote from the Zen master of innuendo, wit and sarcasm, Groucho Marx (1890-1977)