Paper Clay

After looking at the work I had done last semester, I tried to figure out what approaches were working and which weren't. I set criteria for myself for how I wanted the work to be, to help me make some decisions. I really admire simple, clean, well made pieces, so I decided so leave the 'furniture' like work I had been making, and try get my concept across in a clearer manner with simple, abstract shapes.

I made some simple paper maquettes to try and make my ideas 3D, and see where I might run into problems.

The paper models looked well, and had something of that clear, clean property that I admire so much in other people's work. I want to keep the slightly fragile look of these pieces, the paper makes them look a lot less solid and strong than thick clay walls, yet the shape of the pieces still retains that feeling of trying to protect something by putting it out of reach, or hiding it away. I decided to experiment with some paper clay models, to try and get the height I wanted in my pieces and still keep that wafer thin form. I havn't worked with paper clay much before, so I'm experimenting with different types of supports and construction to see what results I will get when they are fired.

 porcelain paper clay, no supports

 porcelain paper clay, resting on cardboard cone

 paper clay cones, attached with slip

paper clay, rolled with sheet of card inside

 paper clay, no support

 selection of tubes, some attached with slip

paper clay cone with wire and string support

 When this first batch are fired I will be able to look at them and see where to go from there in order to support the pieces better. It seems a little odd to build them with supports which I am fairly certain won't work, but it will give me a better idea of how the clay works, and what it needs in order to remain standing.