Lidded Jars

We were assigned to create two lidded jars that displayed some form of unity. Looking at my semi-finished jars above, I think I may have stretched that idea a little too thinly. The idea behind the two pots, is that the one with feet is a monster that lives in the forest that is drawn on the other. Moreover, these pots demonstrate unity, because of their similar shapes, including a flat spot on the top. In addition, they are unified through identical material usage, with the cobalt pencil over the raw ceramic used on both.

I began these two pieces by creating hollow clay spheres, and allowed them to reach the slightly leather-hard stage before cutting them in half. I then added the features such as the feet and the base, as well as a lip on the inside of the top on both. This made sure that the lids would not slip off once the clay was fired. After the jars air-dried into green wear, they were bisque fired. After that, I used a cobalt pencil to draw the details on them, pulling inspiration from chinese ceramic pottery. My final touch was to add clear overglaze on top to create a shiny effect once fired.

I originally wanted to create two jars that had facial features, but I instead decided to go a simpler route once I began working. I chose to create simpler jars so that I could take the time I needed to try to make everything as smooth and well made as possible, without falling behind in class. I really like how the forrest doodle jar came out, but I wish that I had gotten the details a little bit cleaner on the monster doodle jar. I wish I had drawn slightly different eyes, perhaps more realistic and with less pupil.