Given that I only have a few months left on the course I thought I would make the biggest pieces I could given the size of the kilns on offer at university. I decided to make a piece inspired by a conversation I had with Greg the boatbuilder as to why boats/ships are referred to as she. It dates back to old english, referred to as "husbandry", meaning "to manage carefully". As women were not allowed on boats and ships, the vessel became a surrogate for the sailors whilst at sea. The sailors would take care of the boat and in return the boat would take care of them.
I spent six days building the first piece in one go, which meant that the clay did not have time to dry and stiffen to support any additional clay. I was also conscious that as I was not using paper clay that I needed to keep the clay at a constant moisture level throughout my piece. Gaffer tape was used overnight to support the structure when I was away from it for long periods. The piece did not turn out as I had planned and due to backache and fatigue I did not have the energy to battle with the clay but instead let it guide me to its shape in parts. Towards the end I did have a partial collapse which was rectified allowing me to improve on the overall form.
My second piece was more traumatic. Although I applied learning from the first one into this next piece, towards the end of the build I was very unhappy with the form. I did have more control over the clay but as it was the end of the week I was trying to rush it, building on the top of moveable clay. A couple of hours after I had left the building, the piece collapsed into two pieces. It took three days to rebuild the form, however as the clay was firmer I was able to control the build better. The finished piece was much improved on its earlier incarnation therefore the collapse was a blessing in disguise.
I was very pleased with the bisque firing, no explosions, no cracks and no distortions. Given that it was a big build, shrinking by 10% the pieces standing at one meter in height, there was much that could go wrong. I am incredibly proud of these pieces, they are by far the biggest things I have made, they have been extremely challenging and complex to make but I have absolutely loved making them. They make a statement when shown in an exhibition and they are work which I wish to continue making.
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