So I have been working on this new
series of teabowls where the bowl is thrown and slightly altered and then the
rest of the work is done off the wheel on a foam pad on a banding wheel for
elevation more than anything else. As per usual I have been struggling with the
foot which just is a constant thorn and a conundrum that I just can't crack. I
kept thinking that maybe I can blame my available tools for the foot attempts failing to materialize as I want it to and
then just within eyeshot I found a new tool. Off on a shelf not far from where
I work on the wheelhead there was an opened pack of shims bought at the local
hardware store, 20 to a pack for $3 and with the finest adjustment to sharpen
the front and one side, I was in business.
First I set up the size of the
foot and begin nearly vertical cut to
define the size and shape, next using the shim at a slight angle but horizontal
I cut around the bowl and remove the donut like ring of extra clay. From there
I use the shim to contour the foot and bowl profile and I think I may actually
be getting somewhere. As I mentioned in a previous post it may take another
108,000 bowl but armed with my .15 cent shim and some amount of idealistic
determination maybe I can get somewhere (?) sooner than later.
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