CERAMICS

For the first project, "Ceramics," we were required to create the vectors in Adobe Illustrator in order to create ceramic cups using foam, plaster molds, and slip casting.

Attempt 1

For the first attempt, I started off with random experiments. I tried experimenting with 4-6 points(anchors).After the feedback, I realised how my designs weren't practical to use. Therefore in attempt 2 I decided to work on it.

Attempt 2

We weren't able to achieve the design requirements with the prior specifications, thus we were instructed to experiment with one and two anchor points as well as height variation. However, due to the restrictions and the similarity of most concepts, I was unable to design.

Attempt 3

We were asked to create three of the most creative cup designs we could think of. So from the previous five, I adjusted the three cups' height and width to make it more useful.

final cup design

This design was the best one out of the three preliminary cups since it was more useful, unique, and appealing to look at in terms of ceramic cups.

Experiment with ceramics & plaster

We opted to move and explore working with clay molds and plaster after finalizing our cup designs rather than beginning the actual cup-making procedure.

First, we used clay to create a 10x10 cm cube mold, which was then used to carve abstract patterns and patterns.

Once the clay molds were prepared, we prepared plaster mix by combining water and plaster powder (making a pancake batter consistency). After that, we poured it into the molds, set it dry and cleaned up the dried ones.

cup making process

part 1 - sanding

We started by sanding the foam cups to get rid of the texture in order to get a clean and smooth surface.

part 2- making the molds

Sticking one half of the each sanded foam cup to the acetate sheet.

Marking the level to pour plaster with tape and securing the corners/edges with clay to avoid leakage

Locking the molds with wooden boards by securing them with clamps from all 4 sides.
Mixing the plaster mixture and filling up the with plaster upto the mark made by tape.
tapping the boards with hammer to get rid of bubbles from plaster

part 3-opening the molds

Peeling off the acetate sheet and carefully cleaning the extra bits of plaster around the cup

part 4- making the other half of the cup

Engraving the keys and fixing the boards with clamps

Placing one half of each cups together and sealing every corner, sides and edges with clay.

Soaping the cup's surface for easy removal of foam cups from plaster molds
Pouring in the plaster mixture for the other half of the cups

part 5- Cleaning the molds and brisking

Taking out the foam and getting rid of the foam bits was really hard as it was stuck strongly and tightly

Removing the other half of the cup was easy as we soaped it earlier.
Cleaning and sanding all the tiny bits of clayand texture for a smooth mold before baking

part 6- slip casting and cleaning the clay cups