Monday, April 27, 2009

Barnacle Vase




Parts of it I like and parts I don't. One of the problems with working with the larger stoneware work is that I am used to the bright clarity of my glazes over porcelain. The barnacle section of this vase has been covered with a thin layer of porecelain slip but it is not enough to keep some of the rust colours coming through from the iron in the clay. So it is back to testing to getting the glaze effects I want. Oh well, that is in fact part of what keeps me moving forward. I like the challenge.


I like the form of it though. And it has given some ideas where to go with this work. It's not headed for the scrap pile.



This pendant has been glazed in one of 3 new tests I had put into my last firing. I feel a small obsession coming on. I love how the raised portions of the pattern are greenish and the deeper parts are a mottled blue. It would be perfect for the barnacle pot. Unfortunatly it doesn't do the same thing on that clay.
I've been feeling prop challenged lately. Or maybe just bored with photographing my work in a consistent way. The pile of shells in the last photo were gathered on many beach walking expeditions. I found them back on another of my rumaging expeditions in what should have been a clean up exercise.
The little bit of shell in the first photo is from my Gramma. It was part of my inheritance when she died many years ago. She did not have much but she did have this wonderful memento of her only visit to California to spend time with my Auntie. I don't quite know how I ended up with it. We are more than two dozen grandchildren and I feel like I got the best thing of all. Some day I'll show you a photo of the whole shell. It is very beautiful.

Warm regards, LeAnn

11 comments:

Mellisa said...

How wonderful that you have that memento of your Gramma. Isn't it funny how each of us have different things that are the "most important" thing to remember a loved one by?

Beverly Herman said...

I love how the vase turned out. It is so beautiful!!

Prairie Emporium said...

LeAnn, Your vase is beautiful!! I really like the pendant and I see you put it on etsy and it sold fast. Could you make me 2 or 3 in that style and color? Thanks Debbie

stregata said...

LeAnn,
your vase is beautiful!! I was taking a look at your Etsy shop yesterday and noticed that you are doing some interesting backgrounds in your photos. Like it alot!
Hugs,
Renate

SueBeads said...

I have kept my grandma's furniture until it is falling apart! I know how you feel! Lovely work, too! The vase from the photo looks great! I love the colors in the pendant, as well!

sharon said...

LeAnn, these are absolutely beautiful! The pendant is soooo awesome, the colors in that glaze are the best!

Katie said...

Love the look of the new glaze! I definitely need one of those! And the vase looks great, too :o)

SummersStudio said...

My goodness, I wake up to find such lovely comments. Thank you!

Elaine Ray said...

Wonderful vase! I bet it is even better in person - I'm thinking the organic lines of the up growing leaves flow there also....

Thanks for sharing!

Drawn to The Sea said...

I have a shell from my Grandmother's 1940 trip to Florida, so I understand your sentiment. Love the barnacles. Am watching your shop for the pendant in the middle of your banner to pop up again, in blue. :-)

SummersStudio said...

Thanks Elaine. It's an odd coincidence but I've been thinking about sea weed growing up around the vase.

Julia, I'll have more barnacle pendants coming up next week sometime.