Knobs

How to create a focal point to guide the viewers eye around the work?

Contrast: Use form, color, value, or texture in the finial to draw attention to the focal point 

Placement: Center The final to create a strong composition of strength. Place creative finials off center for a more whimsical mood. These are only two examples.

Isolation: Create a disruption to the form where the eye rests. This might be explored with color textures or forms.

Convergence: Use lines to direct the viewers to an element. This can be done with undulating line repeating in the finial as it does with the body of the ceramic work.  

Novel/Unique: Create an unusual form as a finiale that is unexpected. Use an idea that relates to decorative ideas from the vessel.

Questions to Ask when Making a Knob

• What Shapes/Forms do you see being used? 

• When a Shape is repeated in a finial what changes?

• Why do you think finials are used to finish ceramic lids?

• What is the purpose of a finial?

• How do you create Focal Point in a Vessel Lid?​

• What will the Finial look like on your work?

• Will your finial be decorative? Symbolic? Representational? Abstract?