In this blog submittal, I am including
pictures to show progress on my clay forms that I’m working on at the LHUCA
Clay Studio in Lubbock Texas.
My clay sculptures will be a series
similar in context to my initial sculpture entitled “Mandogino” that I
exhibited at Urban Tech at my September show. I am interested and fascinated
with deriving forms that display craftsmanship of materials and objects, and
how those forms interact/intermingle with architectural ideals to create art
through an architectural lens in epherical ways. Some architectural forms ie:
cylinders, curvilinear forms, elegant arches and geometrical shapes will be
fused together to create imagery beyond traditional architectural ideals beyond
in art realms. In my work, there is a journey of personal introspection,
musical influences that soothe my soul and elegant curvilinear forms and
geometry that reflect the beauty found in architectural ideals represented in my
artistic alchemy of histories past and present.
Looking good Rick. Pit fired?
ReplyDeleteDaniel,
DeleteHi. Thanks. Sorry it took me a while to get back to you for my reply.
My sculpture after bisque, was Raku (alternative firing) with Aluminum Foil Saggar. I started with Terra Sigilata then Ferric Chloride. I used ice cream salt (mostly), rock salt, and kosher salt and applied liberally across the piece. The sculpture was fired on it's back (because it was flat) and the surface undulations allowed for the big salt chunks to pop and melt thus freckle the surface. I had hoped that would happen, but you know how it is... your'e never really sure what you'll get. I was well pleased. The right end of the sculpture was closest to the flame (thus blackest with carbon) and the piece was wrapped with 2 layers of aluminum foil. I intended to use 1 layer of foil, but it kept tearing as I wrapped the piece. I used spray adhesive on the bend of the right upper curve to allow the salt to stick, but the adhesive burned into the clay instead. Although you can't see from the pic, the back side (bottom) was on the plastic wrinkled table top when I applied the ferric chloride and thus created irregular milky striations to create a different texture. A happy surprise I must say. I was pleased with this piece, and have decided to pursue a series that represents the alchemy of architectural forms melded into artistic expression.
Rick those are so cool! Seeing your evolution from Junction to now is incredible. I hope you post more pictures of your work! I can see the architectural influences and then the alternative firing processes...its a great combination.
ReplyDeleteMartha,
DeleteHi. Thank You for your kind comments. I must say that I considered investigating hand-built forms when I was in Junction of the summer. However, when I saw the beautiful forms that You, Daniel, Shelbi, Jayson, Echols,Jennifer and Lorie were creating on the wheel (and your wonderful hand-built forms), I was driven and consumed to triumph over my fears on the wheel. Although I couldn't master the idea of making vertical clay forms, I found a different way to achieve a different result with my towers. I've got so much to learn.
I'm still experimenting with textures and finishes in alternative firings, and I hope to incorporate thrown vessels into my geometric forms and shapes. I love the juxtaposition of the 2 forms.
Very cool!
ReplyDeleteAndrea,
DeleteThanks! I love working with clay, either hand-built or wheel thrown. This is a big jump for me.. after James Watkins' architectural clay class last Spring (which I loved), I was resigned to do my MAE defense on Drawing and Painting (which I also love). I wish I could create tall, beautiful pots like Daniel, but I have so much to learn first.
Alternative firings are fun but stressful...you're never really sure what the final result will be. My journey will define the meld of my craftsmanship with creativity.
Always impressed with your craftsmanship Rick! Hardest working guy I know. Your forms are very clean and symmetric also mechanical. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteGermain,
DeleteThank You my friend. Your comments mean a great deal to me. I learned in architecture school that craftsmanship can make or break you. Beauty is in the details. I have always held that standard high in my work..from my architectural study models to my final models.
In my clay sculptures, I'm trying hard to find a balance between clean geometrical, architectural forms and hand-built symmetrical and asymmetrical forms that juxtapose, or react significantly to the meld of the combined forms to comprise a harmonious whole. Music has always been important to me for all kinds of reasons, and I hope my pieces reflect the "buzz and humm" of my subconscious spirit. Music stirs my soul, and is an underlying theme that causes my sculptures to be shaped and formed the way they are intended to be. Alternative firings is a challenge with unknown results from probable outcomes. The mystery is fascinating, yet challenging and stressful, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Creating ceramic works, whether it is hand-built or wheel thrown, is a pure joy to me. I relish the opportunities to learn and grow through an artist's lens.