Friday, November 2, 2012

Boat Basket

When I was traveling in my motorhome across the country moving from California to Florida, I was working in clay with whatever I had on hand. I just remembered a boat basket form I developed back then. Today I remembered I had the boat basket sitting on the bottom shelf of my pottery display case. You can see my process on developing this form by following this link boat basket form. Back then I had the boat shape in mind too and I never continued with the idea. Having been distracted by traveling and the lack of room working in a motorhome.

But now I have the time and space to develop this idea further. Still I also like my original idea of this particular form with the wire handles. The amazing thing about this boat basket is that it rocks back and forth but it doesn't tip over, much like a boat would be in water. Somehow it's buoyant, well balanced anyway.  I used wood handles and beads at the time but I think it would also be nice to have ceramic beads and handle. I'll have to make the holes big enough for the wire to slide through. The length of the ceramic portion of the handle will be a challenge trying to get a hole through the middle but I think I can succeed. I'm glad I didn't get rid of this prototype form because now I can refer to it and improve on the form. This post is part of Mud Colony what's happening in the studio. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

9 comments:

  1. I like the wire and the wood and how it works together and with the clay. This is exciting.

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  2. very nice! I like the addition of the beads on the handle, as well as the subtle cross hatched design on the form.

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  3. This is a really good looking boat basket, and I like that you can carry it without the basket tilting. The clay handle might even be shaped for finger grooves along the length of it. Keep working on those good ideas!

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  4. What a beautiful boat with handle.

    Hugs

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  5. Really cool boat-bowl, Linda.

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  6. Very nice, Linda. I look forward to seeing your latest version. I have a large seed pod from a palm tree that I have been saving because one end looks like the bow of a boat. I plan on using that for a boat form for clay someday.

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  7. Hi Linda, great form, I can just 'feel' picking it up.. I like the feel of a timber handle. Your own beads would really set it off. Good luck with the next series :^)

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  8. Hi Lori, thanks, I wish I knew more about wood I'd attempt to whittle or use a hand made handle and wooden beads. I do have some driftwood I could perhaps drill some of them. I'll see.

    Hi Michele, thanks, the crosshatching is underglaze and then a semi transparent glaze over the top. I may try more of that style with other pieces like plates too.

    Hi Barbara, thanks, what a good idea for the finger grooves, so glad I posted this old form.

    Hi Elna, thanks, boat shapes are so classic they always seem to be appealing.

    Hi Gigi, thanks, and to think I had it on the bottom shelf of the cabinet. Ha.

    Hi Gayle, thanks, I think I've seen palm fronds used as boat dishes on tables before, they are really great shapes and give such a tropical or island feel to a decor.

    Hi Anna, thanks, I am surprised when I pick this up that is really is surprisingly light to carry; I may try making this shape in different sizes.

    Hi Elephant's Child, thanks, can't wait to make more.

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I love suggestions, questions, critiques, thanks for your comment