Taking everyday, disposible vessels to make reusable utilitarian objects

I've been working a lot with different building techniques, for this set of dishes in particular I am using abstract slab building. I am using a rolling pin to roll the clay out finely and I am not forcing it to form a perfect square or circle. Whatever shape I get I am throwing it in or on top of plastic cups and bowls and sticking with the shape it makes. So far there has been this unique floral resemblance which I am very much enjoying. Once I make a good sample I stick to that process-- again I am letting the clay fall into place giving every piece natural variation. I have basically used mass-produced plasticware to form a one-of-a-kind set of dishes. So far I have made bowls and cups and I need to think about how to go about the plates. I am also hoping to do serving pieces and I would like to explore what would happen if I would stack a bunch of plasticware together (like 6 cups or so) and try wrapping clay around that. Hopefully all will go well. : )

Ethnic influences

Below are some ethnic potteries that I have always found inspiring. Moroccan--Chinese--African (and Israeli too, but the style is similar to the Moroccan styles)- I particularly love the textures, intricate designs ans interesting shapes.

1st Blog Entry- Sept. 6th, 2010

Part 1: I am working in the ceramics studio this semester. I have been working with clay for many years now and I generally make small scale sculptures and experimental projects. One of my favorite things to do is experiment with gemstones and crystals. I like to press swarovski cystals into clay and watch it explode into what looks like a beautiful crackle glaze. I have also used gemstones such as howlite, peridot, tiger eye, etc and they all produce different results. What I wanted to work on this semester is combining my love for experimenting with my love for dishes. I would love to get into the field of designing dishes so I want to create a portfolio of work in that genre.

One of my favorite dinnerware companies is Godinger. They do very simple work as well as things that are exotic. I particularly love their "fiori" collection as shown below. This has been a big inspiration for what I want to work on this year.

 

Part 2: Ten Links: 

1- Godinger http://www.godinger.com/default.aspx

2- Phila Museum of art, ceramics exhibition- http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/387.html

3-Flux- Philly art gallery- http://www.phillyartgalleries.com/gallery_flux_space.htm

4- U Arts- Gallery and Performance space- http://www.uarts.edu/see-do/galperfspc.html

5-Philly Art Gallery in City Hall- http://www.artsjournal.com/realcleararts/2010/06/philly-city-hall-gallery.html

6-Gross McCleaf Galley- http://www.grossmccleaf.com/

7- Vox Populi Gallery- http://www.voxpopuligallery.org/

8-Art Star- http://www.artstarphilly.com/exhibitions.html

9-Locks Gallery- http://www.locksgallery.com/

10-Nexus Gallery -http://www.nexusphiladelphia.org/