born with a tail by karin eda sanborn

while preparing this post under a completely different topic i changed my mind...been trying to notice how to do that a lot lately. it stands to reason that if i'm smashing my hand with a brick i've got no one by myself to blame if i don't stop.

this month's post is simple, because that is what i want to be simple. simple is as simple does. my good friend here says it is time now to chase some tennis balls.

the view from Dharma's
pen & ink 2018 sketchbook

Presence Project #2

This definition of presence is personal. The presence of horse. 

I used a mold to create the plate shape. The mold was invaluable for transport to class. 

I found drawing on clay difficult. You cannot rest your hand on the material to draw because you will get an indent or crack the plate from the pressure. Consequently, it is difficult to get a clean line. 

 Plates will crack if they don't air dry evenly. This plate was 16"+, which was also a hindrance. I had to stand it up in a shelf with support boxes to dry evenly which was a risk. It survived the bone dry stage and it survived being put in the kiln as well. The brittleness of the bone dry clay doesn't allow you to grab the edges as it will break. 

I was pleased that it survived the kiln.  I experimented with new glazes, which gave mixed results. It isn't my best piece but I accomplished what I wanted to achieve with clay which was to learn something new. I hope to explore more 'drawing' with clay soon.

I apologize for the poor quality of this pictures. It takes equipment and skill to best shoot shiny and reflective surfaces. I, as of yet, have neither.