Clementina van der Walt & Lisa Firer

I have been out of sorts lately so no new posts of my work right now. I am getting back into the work though so shortly I will be showing some new images, but for now I want to mention two events that took place on the last two weekends.

On the 20th of June I went to the opening of Clementina van der Walt's new exhibition at the Kim Sacks Gallery in Parkwood, Johannesburg.

The work in the main part of the gallery pulsates with colour and energy which could only be borne of Africa, and this work is juxtaposed with a beautifully elegant display of monochromatic pieces on the other end of the exhibition space. Clementina's work is always a joy to see and if you are in the area I urge you to visit the exhibition before the end of its run on the 12th of July

This past weekend I had the pleasure and privilege of attending a workshop by Cape Town ceramic artist Lisa Firer. I have loved her work for years, and her workshop revealed someone of immense generosity and professionalism. How wonderful it is to see other ceramists sharing their stories and working methods. Her work is dependant on the interplay of light and the extreme delicacy is breathtaking. Visit her website to see examples of her truly beautiful porcelain pieces. 

Casting with Paperplaster Moulds

I have remade all my moulds using the incredible paperplaster method (see previous posts) and they are now ready to use. The above images show the screening of the slip before pouring as well as filling the mould. Contrary to the usual practice There is no waiting time before the moulds are emptied of slip. This is done as soon as they have been filled resulting in a very thin cast. The pieces are bisque fired to 1000 C once dry. All fettling is done after bisque firing.

Gratitude, Syncronicity and the Miracle

Towards the end of last month I came across a mention of paperplaster on a website. It sounded amazing and I contacted a number of people regarding this and will be forever grateful to Sandra Black, the renowned Australian ceramist, for responding so generously to my enquiry. I was blown away with her unbelievably detailed reply. She also forwarded my mail to Trudy Golley, who came up with the method.

Trudy Golley also replied and informed me that an article she wrote on paperplaster would appear in the next issue of 'Ceramics Technical' the ceramic journal. I have just read it and it is a complete step by step guide to her process. Talk about syncronicity!

I have made a number of moulds this week using this revolutionary process. It has completely changed my approach to mould making forever. No more cottle problems. Lightweight moulds and most exciting, moulds that can be used the day after making. Truly a miracle

Blog Of The Month

Carole Epps' great blog Musing About Mud is one of my favourites. Hats of to her for her artist of the day feature that she ran all through April. I came across some fascinating work through that and am appreciative of being one of the artists showcased. I would like to acknowledge the great contribution Carole's blog makes to serving the ceramic community, and also, her own exceptional work which you can see on her blog and at her Etsy store. 

Tomorrow is a Long Time

I think one of the things that I so love about ceramics is that time when work is in the kiln. I have not produced anything new for a while having been busy making moulds as well as a setter for each of my forms that I am hoping will maintain the radial symmetry of the work in the high firing that the bone china endures.

Well......Tonight there is work in the kiln!

And it does not seem to make any difference how long I have been doing this, I am always so excited for tomorrow when I open the door.

PS I came across the term 'Paper Plaster Moulds' today in a blog I read. Evidently the moulds are much lighter and easier to store. Sounds too good to be true! If anyone could give me any more info on this I would truly appreciate it.

That's How the Light Gets In

This image shows the translucency of the work to far greater effect. I love the subtlety of this piece. Sadly though the base is cracked, but at least I can share the image here.

Capturing Translucency

One of the difficulties I have when photographing my work is capturing its translucency. The above image although flooded with light creates a crisp look, although it shows little translucency is and therefor far from the images I am hoping to capture. Something else to add to the to-do list!