I love trying new things, especially the inspiration is all around me in the garden or when on dog-walks out and about. I’d like to tell you about some of my experimental designs and the trial and error phase.
Some of my experimental designs are slow development-projects, others never make it to any kind of serious production level.
Here are a few examples of the latter and my reasons why they never “flew”.
Experimental Designs 1 Physalis:
It has my favourite colour: orange. What is not to like! I made 3 hanging “fruit” and the blacksmith made a leaning metal “stem” with hooks for the “fruit” and a substantial “fork” to anchor the leaning metal stem.
Why does it not work?
Love the design, love the look BUT in the end it is more metal than ceramics and that is just not my business………….
Experimental Designs 2 Echinacea:
Such statement plants in late summer/early autumn, also blooming in a wide range of colours!
I made these from an upturned “bowl” with a stem going up in the middle. When leather hard I cut the petals out from the rim of the bowl. These ones are glazed in glossy and semi-matt pink.
Why does it not work?
I never made them in larger numbers, because quite a few broke during the making process, especially whilst cutting the petals.
I have to say I quite like the look of them, so they might have to be reconsidered…..
Experimental Designs 3: Lotus Seedpod:
This is an enclosed form with a body and stem. When leather-hard I cut dimples in the flat side and insert clay balls, representing the seeds. I glazed this piece in Verdigris bronze and the seeds in crystalline bright blue.
Why does it not work?
Nice piece, but the amount of work and time involved in making it is considerable. I have to take the making time into account if I want to find the right price to sell the piece!
I hope you enjoyed the excursion into some of my experimental designs and the journey of trial and error.