SOLVING PROBLEMS

When working with stoneware and porcelain, I don't think it is that I get bored easily but rather that I like to make new forms and when necessary solve new problems. This Kuro-Oribe thrown and altered cap jar was for me a new form and solved the small problem of keeping several areas of the pot round while squaring up other parts, namely the top and bottom of the form. I have actually used this technique quite a bit over the years but normally on a closed form but in this case I needed to work to alter the form and keep the waist and mouth round which actually proved to be rather easy as I got to work. 

Once the form was fixed, I beat the base so that the center of each plane formed the foot and the corners were a bit raised which makes for a nice shadow. Small paddled lugs were added at the shoulder and the lid has a step down which adds dimension to the surface along with the glaze run that also adds quite a bit of motion. The shoulder and upper plane had iron sprayed on them but the bottom of the form is just pure, straight Oribe and looks quite radiant and enticing in the sunlight. My goal this year is to make some larger versions of this idea along with varying the proprotion to see what I end up with and even after making some small bottles and a few covered jar I think I am safe in saying, I don't think I will get bored with solving problems or this idea and form anytime soon.