Building Big Pots

The most frequently asked question I get is 'how long does it take you to make...' and it is always difficult to answer, so I wanted to document the stages for anyone interested.

I work on multiple pieces at once as the clay needs to firm up over night between coils, so it can carry the weight of the added clay, and not distort as the next coil is connected to the previous one.

Many potters use a heat gun for this process but I want to keep the electricity usage to a minimum. It cost way too much already to fire the work! And I have heard that patience is a virtue...

As the bottom parts are firming up, I start adding the detail, all made by hand. This is the process I love the most, it is very satisfying to see the work come alive!

The photos below show different stages of making the 4 last big pieces, which took just over three weeks, including two weekends. Now they will dry over another couple of weeks, then fire v e r y slowly.

The clay will shrink 10% as the water leaves the clay, first when drying then through the firings. More on this later.

The pieces I made are:

1. Birdsong Urn

   When walking around a sculpture exhibition with a friend she said "you should really make an urn". Ok then!

   
   

2. The Goddess Europa This sculpture has been on my mind to make for a few years, I just had to improve my making skills. I am a Swedish and UK citizen and Brexit hit me hard emotionally and financially, so this is my protest piece.

   
   

3. Tulip Love

   My husband gave me my favourite flowers for our anniversary and I had to make this large garden sculpture to commemorate them.

   
   

4. Bird Bath

   Just because 'why not make an enormous bird when I make small ones?

Look out for a post showing the firing, glazing and decorating processes.