Ceramics: Using pattern in clay.

I wanted to try making some relief patterns in clay, from my photographs and observational sketching. I made small pieces, with the intention of using them to test out different glazes, and see how they work on the textured surfaces, but also to test how the patterns look on a very small scale, with a view of possibly using ceramic pieces in jewellery.

I made two pieces using a weaving technique with strips of clay, based on both the pattern of woven fabric, and also based on a pattern I found inside an envelope. I then made a piece with the pattern of a cabbage leaf, with parts that were pressed in to create depressions, and also adding strips of clay to create veins. My last two flat pieces were based on patterns from floors, one a paving slab, and the other a mosaic floor. 

I then created a cube, using six squares of clay, with a different pattern on each square. I then assembled the pieces so the pattern was on the inside of the box and lid, hidden.

Ceramics: slabwork.

First, I made 6 squares of clay the same size, and used my collected objects to imprint patterns onto the surface. I tried to make each square different, as I wanted all the sides of my cube to be a surprise, which you had to ppick up and turn around to find all the patterns. I mitred all the sides at a 45 degree angle, so the joins were not visible on the outside.

I used slip to join the edges and make them look neat, and also put reinforcements on the inside of the cube to strengthen it.

I next rolled out some more clay and made cylinders, to put together to make a repeating pattern similar to how I made the triangle.

I put marbles into the bottom of the cylinders, to hopefully melt and create a decorative abstract piece in the bottom of each cylinder. I have used marbles because I have lots of marbles and would like to make something new out of them.