Sometimes it starts with a word…one word…or a song, a phrase, a situation, an ironic turn or twisted wit. Regardless, that seed of an idea seems to rattle around in my head for weeks; prompting sketches, searches for tangible parallels and prayer for inspiration.
~notes for Blind Enough to See.
Once inspired, models are acquired – usually the closest kid – and photos are taken. A drawing is made to scale from the digital images. This drawing becomes the pattern for the tiles and a guide for slip and glaze applications. I enjoy developed, overlapping, often complex surfaces. Yet, I try to achieve those results with the fewest possible firings. The surface development requires that the surface information be resolved before the day arrives to glaze the work. I take photos of the drawings made for the pattern. making several copies to cut apart; giving me an opportunity to play with color and layout.
~for more on the ceramic process, check out the left side bar under Process.