In the spirit of new beginnings and new work in the new year, I decided to make an amorphous form from a large piece of wood that I received in a white elephant gift exchange at a Christmas party.
The word “amorphous” – means: “without a clearly defined shape or form”, and I believe that aptly describes the piece I’m working on.
To make this form, I covered a side of it with thin plastic and draped a large 1/2 inch slab of reclaimed clay over the wood. I smoothed it with my fingers, attempting to ease into all of the nooks and crannies, while leaving the back with finger marks as I want a rough exterior.
After drying like this for approximately two days, I lifted the clay off of the form, removed the plastic and began to smooth the interior. I had to make a few patches as well where there was a hole or two.
I absolutely love the result! Currently, I’m letting it dry before a bisque firing.
After the bisque firing, I plan to use iron wash on the outside to enhance its texture. On the inside I hope to use a very beautiful drippy glaze.
Wish me luck! Don’t you just love it’s weird, amorphous nature?!
In my next post I’ll show the results.
Happy potting! and go find a big old hunk of wood and try it yourself!
Marian
