Sun Bleached Bark by Linda Starr
13.25 x 5.5 x 2.5 inches
slab-built stoneware, unglazed, Cone 10
13.25 x 5.5 x 2.5 inches
slab-built stoneware, unglazed, Cone 10
My first bark sculpture survived a very rough road, literally. Last winter (has it been that long) I made the piece having been inspired by eucalyptus bark I saw in a grove at the coast. Once it dried it was so thin I hesitated to move it off the ware board to my kiln to get it fired. So I set it aside to think about it. Then we sold our home, moving day arrived, and I had to do something quick. I put the ware board on a towel on top of boxes in the back of my car the day we moved out, and figured the piece would just crumble in transport.
Sun Bleached Bark (top view) by Linda Starr
I drove around with the sculpture in the back of my car for a week before I had a chance to take it somewhere to be fired. Then I drove 1.5 hours north to Clay Mix to get it bisqued, and it made it. I decided not to push my luck and left the piece unglazed and drove across town to Potters Studio to get it fired to Cone 10, and it made it.
After I set this piece aside to dry, I made other bark sculptures, but I made them smaller and with a groggy clay, worrying the first piece was too thin and wouldn't survive. For the others I either used oxides or colored slips. Now I see I should continue pushing the limits of what I think is feasible with clay, taking risks, even if they are small calculated risks. I'd like to make more pieces with unglazed clay, letting the natural clay surface speak for itself. What about you, what do you think?
Sun Bleached Bark by Linda Starr
In a couple of days I should be able to pick up the other pieces I had fired. There are a couple of Nara Cone 5, a few Cassius Basaltic Cone 4, and some Black Mountain Cone 10 pieces I also made months ago, so please check back again.
Lana, my partner makes paper thin porcelain cone 10 bowls with ragged edges and an ethereal quality.
ReplyDeleteI love your bark and I think you should explore many paths in your pottery.. you have such a great beginning. Talented and willing to keep learning.
Joan T
Hi Joan, thanks, I remember seeing those porcelain bowls and they are beautiful, thanks for your support and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteLinda, look up paper clay or something like that. There is a artist that makes clay pictures looks like paper towels or something very cool. If I find the link I'll send it!
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, thanks, I have seen lots of paper clay pieces but nothing like that. thanks for the tip if you find the link, please let me know.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, I wonder if you are thinking of Anthony Foo on my blogroll? I never thought of his recent pieces being papertowel rolls, but now that I look at them maybe they do look like that. I wanted to take a workshop from him, but it was right when we were moving and I couldn't get down to LA. Paper clay is in my future for sure.
ReplyDeleteHey, there, love the bark! And thanks for stopping by Willow Manor.
ReplyDeletelove the bark and can't wait to see what is next.
ReplyDelete