Thursday, May 21, 2009

Clay's Many Variations

by Eleanor Hendriks

I am always amazed by the many possibilities of clay. It can be so many things to so many people. Functional/ non-functional, colourful/stark, wildly textured/perfectly smooth, organic/geometric and on and on.

I had three students willing to brave winter and come out to my studio for my Feb/March pottery class session. Even among only three beginning clayists, their visions and results had lots of variety...

An elegant leaf bowl is a study in contrasts...


A geometric letter box with a surprising bright orange interior...

A homey casserole dish with delicate carved designs...

A jewellery tray waiting to be filled with baubles...

Pinch pots that look as if they were grown rather than made...

...and fabulously textured wall pocket that will grace a sculpture studio wall...
Thank you Marina, Darlene and Pam for a great class full of enthusiasm and fun!

These three women have just dipped into the possible variations of clay. If you'd like to see how many other clay workers have interpreted their artistic visions using clay, you really need to read these two articles by Jeff Campana of the University of Louisville published on Etsy's blog, The Storque:

Ceramics and Pottery: Facts and Fancies (Part 1)

Ceramics and Pottery:Facts and Fancies (Part 2)

The second article is excellent, particularly because Jeff included some of my work in his review of decorating techniques (she said humbly). So check them out -you're in for some good reading and lots of clay eye candy...


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