[Cheshire]

I'm a couple months into my 2nd attempt at finishing my ceramics associates degree, and all the adaptations I've had to make so I wouldn't have to switch career paths has got me really examining my functional pottery designs.

I'm wanting to make sure that my pottery can be used by everyone...but I'm not familiar with what kind of considerations that entails. For example, pre-injury, I thought it was nice to have things dishwasher safe, but now my injury keeps me from washing more than an item or two at a time before I have to quit. Dishwasher-safe isn't just convenient anymore, it's required...at least, for me.

Anything that's ceramic ya'll wish was made a little different (or a lot, or just made?) to make things easier to use? Doesn't have to be limited to the kitchen or dining room, either...though don't expect me to make anything huge...yet. (working on that....)

[hockeydahc]

first off: Hooray for the potters!!

I don't know of much in the line of pure functional ceramics. I'm taking ceramics/pottery classes for a hobby, and my teacher sides more on the artistic side of things. Function is an option for him, and I enjoy that too. I just came up with a fantastic idea for wedding/anniversary gift pieces that just sit there as 3-D art.
I haven't had to adapt anything except my desire to throw large pieces. I just use a standard wheel taht everyone else taking the classes uses. I can't throw standing (lack of balance) so my starting cylinders never get past eight inches or so, if that, and I usually have to cut off the top from malformation.

I would think dishwasher safe would be a huge benefit for anyone. If I find a way to glaze the bottom as well as the top and inside, I may actually consider trying to make myself a custom set of dishes.

I would love to see some of your work. Maybe we could swap pics or something sometime.

on a second note: I like working with multiple clays and marbling them sometimes...Got any good clay down there? I don't have the knowledge of the chemistry or know what I'm supposed to know, but I enjoy "doing" pottery and tend to find a name for what I do later by inaction.

This post has been edited by hockeydahc: 28 October 2007 - 06:54 PM

[Cheshire]

Picture swap would be awesome. I'm pretty decent with the technical aspects and so-so with the chemistry, so if you have any questions or just want to talk shop as it were, fire away.


I'm in the same town as Highwater Clay company...great range of clay. One of my favourites is their Helios porcelain. Marbling is fun...kinda tricky sometimes, but I usually end up trying some marbled work every few months just because it looks so interesting.

I was throwing standing for a little while because it hurt to sit and throw...that's no longer an issue, and it's much easier to sit than stand, so I'm back to sitting. When I was standing, I was having to lean against the wheel and stand so I didn't fall over...(similar thing with balance issues)! Kinda funny to watch, not so fun to do.

For taller pieces, have you tried working in sections?
What temperature or cone do you fire to?

[hockeydahc]

school typically bisques at 06. if you want actual degrees, I'm clueless. the electric kilns are more popular and fire at cone 6. We also have a gas kiln that fires cone 10 and usually light that bad boy twice a semester but it's not definite. and a lady in our class usually has a pit fire every semester. that's usually unfulfilling, maybe I don't get the concept, I think shes lacking enough sawdust, but I like to participate.

I guess I'm never going for something I thought would require sections. I want some good bottle forms, but I can only go so high due to having to throw seated. I can get maybe a 7-8 inch tall cylinder, and 3/8 to 1/4 thick. but I want to produce wine-bottle-sized finished work. I'm getting better, but they're getting heavier, and I have to trim excessively. from what I trimmed from the bottom and sides of my last 4 pieces, I can wedge and throw 2 more.

I aactually get a lot of compliments on my pinchbowls. this semester I wanted to strictly work on wheel throwing to add that to my arsenal of skills. it's much faster, but that's also a con. I feel rushed, like I can't take my time as with pinching.

let me get some pictures together and we can trade..

C

I've tried porcelain... holy cow it's too soft for me. I love the way it looks though.

Do you stick to more functional work? dishes, platters? I guess my stuf could be used, but certainly not dinnerware. it's decorative.