The other day when I was at the gallery changing my display someone asked me if I had any large mugs. I said I didn't usually make mugs, but I could make one. They wanted a big mug that was heavy. How could I go wrong with that request? So last night I started making a mug. The first one I made was small, 5 x 3 inches, and I had a hard time getting it all to go together correctly. My fingers felt clumsey.
I started thinking it's been a long time since I've made anything other than tiles and that had me thinking. If I don't hand build pieces regularly, will I loose that skill? I might not loose the skill, but I could become rusty. So I decided to make a mug a day for the next thirty days to keep in practice. How about you? Do you find if you don't do something for a long time, you become rusty and need a warm up? Oh, the second mug is big, 6.5 x 3.5 inches, almost tankard sized. Not overly heavy, but something that big is bound to be fairly heavy anyway. This post is part of Show and Tell Saturday for Artists in Blogland. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
A mug a day for the next 30 days is quite a commitment, but sounds like a good idea. I do certainly find that I get "rusty" when away from using the potter's wheel for some time, and progress is difficult to begin with. I would like to be able to use the wheel more frequently than I do, but I find that 2 or 3 days on the wheel generates a lot of work to glaze and fire, so then there is a period of glazing and firing to go through.
ReplyDeleteI think that it used to be said that one "thrower" generated enough pots to keep 5 other people working full time doing clay preparation, glazing, firing kilns and so on. It is no wonder then that a potter working on their own has a lot to fit in.
Hi Peter, thanks, I really haven't made that many mugs in my lifetime, bowls but not mugs, so it will be good for me to do this. I was actually wishing I had a table top wheel to make some mugs but no money to afford one, I keep watching the want ads for one but none of those are affordable either. Oh that reminds me of a guy who made a wheel out of a truck wheel or something I'll have to look that up.
ReplyDeleteyou know it's so true, there's so much to do as a potter, making, drying, glazing, firing, perhaps sanding, packing, shipping, business cards, advertising, shows, travel, accounting, taxes, bill paying, shopping for materials, storing work,
I made a mug today and while putting the plastic sheet over it it stuck to the mug and it fell over and got smooshed so now I need to make two more. Ha.
That is a great goal. The mugs look awesome!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is quite a committement and quite a variation on your recent work. Love a combination of texture that these have.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda..wow..so gorgeous..beautiful work..how awesome to create such beauty!! Shine on!
ReplyDeleteVictoria
I don't get rusty with throwing, I suppose since I'm never away from it for long, but forget little tricks and things I'd figured out along the way with different forms if I haven't made those forms for awhile. It can be a bit aggravating.
ReplyDeleteA mug a day sounds like a great project. Hope you'll keep us posted :)
Make sure the handle is firmly attached to the mug. There was a time when I was washing dishes that the handle came off and I cut my hand. Not fun! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteNice mugs! I suppose that if I didn't cook for a long time, that I might get rusty! But there's not much of a chance of that happening! :) Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI do find that to be true. I took a break from my daily meditations(which had been going quite well)when I was feeling poorly & when I went back to them, at first, it was like starting all over again.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very smart of you to do a mug a day...problem solved.
I love the texture on the second mug and think that sounds about the size I need to help with my tea habit... love that you are extending and pushing yourself and setting a goal like that...will be fun to watch the progress xx
ReplyDeleteAWESOME Linda! I love both of these mugs!!! I've been a collector (well no more because I'm out of room) of unusual mugs all my life and these are wonderful. Can't wait to see the rest!
ReplyDeleteHi Natasha, thanks so much; hope I stick with it. Ha.
ReplyDeleteHi Anna, thanks, will be trying lots more textures too.
Hi Victoria, thanks ever so much, hope they dry nicely.
Hi Barbara, thanks, you know there are probably tricks I am forgetting. I have been using vinegar and slip to make attachments and it seems to be helping.
Hi Gigi, thanks, was that an independent potter's cup that the handle came off of? Strange I have never heard of a handle failing after use. Usually they fail before firing.
Hi Marguerite, thanks, no not much chance of that from what I can see. Ha.
Hi Mary, thanks, yes I hope I stick with it. I have a habit of running out of the drive too soon or on to something else, this will be good for me.
Hi Tracey, thanks, I have been thinking of what tea drinkers would like too, do you use a tea bag?
Hi Bohemiannie, thanks, I hope I come up with some fresh ideas along the way.
fantastic... very rustic looking! i love that look!
ReplyDeletefantastic... very rustic looking! i love that look!
ReplyDeleteI love mugs, especially huge white ones like yours! So pretty.
ReplyDeleteWow! u r committed artistic and patient to work 30 days! cute pieces, keep up the good work
ReplyDeleteNice work and a good goal - I think any skill gets a little rusty if its not used often so I hope you enjoy playing and really stretching yourself with 30 mugs!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Artist in Blogland (AIB).