Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Can you make this bigger?

I had a question from someone asking if I could make this moon and sun plaque bigger.  I pondered on it for awhile and finally said I thought I could but I wasn't sure how it would turn out.  As you can see, it turned out pretty awesome.

This one is about 12" diameter.  The sculpting was all done by hand.  The "space" is
stamped with stars and shooting stars.  The moon is gun metal green with indigo accents.
I've done enough of these kind of plaques that they come fairly easily.  I know how to  handle the
clay and the finished piece so it doesn't break.

This one, on the other hand, was an exercise in patience.  After figuring out how to get a 17" diameter (I cut a string and tied a marker to it and drew out the circumference on a piece of drywall), I then had to roll out the slab, trim it and do all the stamping and sculpting.  I let it dry for a week under plastic to prevent warping and then uncovered for about 3 weeks.  I slid it onto the kiln shelf and then moved it to the kiln.  It would only fit on the top shelf.  Fired once, then  glazed and then fired again.



So now that it is done, I think I'll keep it.  There wasn't any final commission from the inquirer.  I just wanted to see if it could be done.  I don't think I would take on a commission for a second one.  It was a lot of work and possibility for disaster at every turn was high.  I wouldn't want that kind of responsibility!

It will look good hanging outside.

1 comment:

  1. You really tested your boundaries Julie, and have proven that you can do it! You must have great patience. I can't imagine how stressful the waiting period alone would be. It turned out beautifully!

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