First experience - Ceramic workshop

 On week 5, I attended  a ceramics induction a the Vijay Patel building. I had access to the ceramic studio at DMU and started working on my 3D project, candle holder. Before start, I sketched and made an approximate shape and dimensions on paper to visualize my final design. It was really helpful to have a clear idea of what I would like to create. 

                 

My first step was to prepare my workplace basic tools such as: cut-off wires, wooden slats, ribs, chamois cloth, fettling knives. Then, I started experimenting with the ceramic clay. Using the cut wires, I got out some clay and began rolling it out on the chamois cloth to create ceramic mass, approximately 6 mm.  

Then, I used my sketches put on the mass and to helping small knife, I got a clear line my first ceramic parts.

I was pleased with my result, but it was only beginning. I decided to left this work in this stage so the ceramic must be cover with plastic wrap, this help keeps it moist and easy to work next day.

Next day I continue work, with help of knife, I began to cut out small pieces that were already drawn on the ceramics form. It is very delicate part of my whole process. Although, my next step was very complicated, I started to glue all pieces together. I used technique cross-hatching with a cross hatching tools. I take clay slip and make the cross hatching both of side with a brush and slapped them together. And this step I used with every pieces of my patter. Also, I used the newspaper like holder form.    

I left my ceramic to stay a couple hour, so that all parts are well attached to each other, and then I start to painting. I chose blue, green and grey colours and mixed them together. I think it would be interesting 

Working with ceramic has been really interesting. And even only first step, this process has been quite long with many steps. The most important part are getting the right shape and also I am worried about the colour, which I will only see after the firing process. Also, I noticed the flower size looks more like leaf  now, but I will be work on that. I plan to make around 5-6 ceramic pieces, so I can to improve my techniques.