Slip Strip Tap Tap Tap

Here's another bargello tower about 12 x 5 x 4 inches. I'm calling these bargello because they have the needlepoint pattern of bargello. I've used greens, gold and a red terracotta underglaze. The red terracotta color turns brown after firing. Once the underglazes dry the colors change, then when the piece is bisque fired the colors change again, maybe fading, maybe getting darker or brighter. Then when I put on the clear glaze and fire the piece again, the colors change to their final state. Perhaps I should use this piece for an example, taking a photo after each step and put them up here, so you and I can see the differences, it might be fun.

Certain afghan styles also use this pattern. I didn't notice the pattern on the afghan below until after I made the first one of these bargello pieces. Michele Hastings mentioned afghans to me and I remembered this afghan I have in the guest bedroom which I got at a thrift store years ago. Afghans are wonderful to use in the winter to keep warm while sitting in a chair or on the couch and most can be tossed in the washer and dryer.

These bargello tower pieces take an inordinate amount of time to make. First I take a slab of clay and roll it out, then I cut the clay into thin strips. then I lay down one strip flat and decide what size and shape I'll make the piece. I roll out the bottom and attach the first strip of clay to the bottom. Next I add slip to the first strip of clay and then add the next strip, patting down the strip to the previous one with a flat wooden spoon. (Slip is liquid clay used to attach clay pieces one to another)

Tap, tap, tap, around and around

then add the next strip with slip,

then tap, tap, tap, around and around

Up and up I go,

slip, strip, tap, tap, tap;

slip, strip, tap, tap, tap

Up and up I go
slipping, stripping, tapping,
around and around I go.

I must work quickly to get to the top. I can't rest because you see the strips I've cut may dry out too much if I don't work quickly. There are twenty seven strips of clay in this piece. Once I get to the top I rest for a moment or two.

Now I get out my underglazes and stains and I start at the bottom with the first underglaze color for the bargello pattern. I hand brush the underglaze around the piece. I started with an olive green, then another green, then a light green, then a gold, then a terracotta color. Back to olive, green, light green, gold, and terracotta. Brush, brush, brush, around and around, again and again, till I get to the top. There are thirty one rows of underglaze colors on this piece. I see a couple of the butted seams are showing but they weren't when I started; nothing to do about that now.

I want to make more of these, one with blues, one with purples, one with reds, one with yellows, and so forth. But I can only make one of these a day, you can probably see why. Much concentration is needed to make just one, then I'm all concentrated out. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.