Mold making
2 weeks ago we went down the ceramics and plaster rooms to learn how to make and use plaster molds, we were talked through the process's of plaster mold carving, mound molds, slip casting, wax molds and gel flex. Once confident with these process's I decided to try out the plaster mold carving to create a mound mold, i planned to use this mold but due to the plaster drying time i used a similar pre made mold to practice using them.
I decided to use stoneware clay that was rolled into an even slab when put through the press machine, i chose this clay due to the glaze i wanted only being available for stoneware. Once the clay was all rolled out you lay it flat over the mold and slowly press it against its surface until it take the shape of the mold nicely, cutting of the overhanging clay as you go. Before going down to the ceramics room i went to a local park and collected various foliage and leaves to use to create natural imprints on the outside of my bowl.
- The foliage i collected and a fine line pen sketch of it.
One of the hardest parts in the creation of this bowl was definitely getting the bowl off the mold without breaking it as i had rolled the clay slightly thin, but with a bit of heat from the hairdryer and patience it came off the mold in one piece ready for the bisc firing. I also created a small mug using the slab technique with my left over clay.
About a week later i went back down to glaze my pieces, choosing the iron red color i had in mind when first making this piece to give the bowl an old rustic effect. Sadly. the glaze i chose did completely cover up the plant imprints i had made, but that's ok its just something to remember next time. Despite the glazing issue i am very happy with how this bowl turned out but in future i will definitely make the clay slab thicker and edges crisper. As for the mug, it is definitely not my best work as its uneven and rigid but as it was just a project to use up the scraps i am pleased with it and like its character.
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