Today I said to myself what if I made uneven strips. Then I said what if I overlapped them when I attached them to the next strip. This is what I came up with, a variation on a theme of stacked strips. I'm so excited about the possibilities of this new construction method and the different forms this technique lends itself to making. As I'm typing I'm looking at the form trying to imagine how I'll glaze it, or a style of handle I might add to others I make.
I'll still work with the stacked strips, but this method of construction affords me a more organic shape. This is much more fluid looking, rather voluptuous. The black coloring you see is slip which turned putrid. I added vinegar to the mix and it soured in the container. Not sure this makes a difference after firing, so far it hasn't. The first photo is after the piece dried a bit, this photo was taken right after making.
Right now I plan to experiment with this new construction technique. Just when I was feeling poorly about unexpected results from the last firing. Just when I was feeling poorly about impending dental bills I can't afford, not to mention medical bills I haven't even paid off yet. My life is like a
yo-yo, so high and then so low, then so high again.
Boy playing a terracotta yo-yo
on Greek vase, 440 BC
I just read the world yo-yo contest is held every year in Orlando, Florida. I didn't even know they still had yo-yo's. I guess I lead a sheltered life. I'm thinking back now to my childhood and remembering playing with the yo-yo and enjoying it immensely. I recall it was a relaxing feeling and yet concentration had to be kept to maintain the motion. I might have to get a yo-yo and try my hand again. I think the simple games were so much fun back then;
marbles,
jacks,
jump rope,
hula hoop,
hop scotch, and of course the yo-yo. What childhood games do you recall? Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
