A Work in Progress
Start with an Idea
When I start with a creative idea in clay, I sometimes find myself going in a completely different direction along the way, influenced by the nature of the material itself. The clay can quickly become too hard if it dries out while you are diligently working with it, so managing the right moisture content is absolutely crucial to the process. Once in a while, a part of the piece may unexpectedly collapse, leading to many unforeseen things that can happen during the crafting journey.
Idea of its Own
It is truly remarkable how the clay seems to have its own idea of where it wants to go, in spite of all my best efforts to guide it. Once I shape it into something that closely resembles what I envisioned, the real creative decisions begin. I must ponder how far to take it before deciding to stop. This is what I think of as the raw phase. Once I am satisfied, the next crucial question looms: will it survive the bisque firing?
After that, I need to contemplate the choices regarding glazes. Do I want to use just one glaze for a unified look, or would I prefer to incorporate multiple glazes for a more dynamic effect? The placement of glazes can also significantly influence the final outcome.
The Final Stage — Or Is It?
Finally, I reach the anticipation-filled moment where I must wait for the final firing. Still, there's an element of mystery involved, as it remains uncertain whether the piece will take on the appearance I am expecting and hoping for. To add to the unpredictability, the final firing might not even be the last; if I am dissatisfied with the way the glaze turned out, there's always the option to sand the piece, apply new glaze, and fire it again for a fresh start.
Always an Adventure
There are so many fascinating variables involved in the intricate process of creating a work in clay. You have to remain flexible and adaptable to the myriad of changes and unexpected surprises that can arise. It’s truly an exciting adventure in which I apply the various skills and techniques that I’ve carefully acquired through my previous experiences. Never is there a dull moment in this creative journey. Yes, it’s true that it’s not always perfect; I can find myself discarding pieces that don’t meet my vision, with some ending up in the trash or in the recycle bin. But… when I finally manage to create something that resonates as beautiful in my eye, there’s really nothing quite like that satisfying feeling of accomplishment.
A Vase that is in Progress
