Author: LARA ARTIST DESIGNER MAKER

During our induction it was a requirement that we became familiar with the machinery in the wood workshop. This meant we needed to prove we could comprehensively use the equipment such and the band saws and the sanding machines, so that in the future we would be able to use them independently and safely.

Our induction task was to make a wooded box, this meant measuring the halfway marks in the wood and removing sections so that the pieces could interlock and be glued and clamped together.

Although wood would not be my chosen material, I found it helpful to learn the techniques and processes to use and I can see how it will be relevant technique to bank if ever I need it.

During this workshop we were introduced to the enamelling technique, using previously manipulated copper we applied an adhesive and powdered colourants to the surface. this glass like enamel gives a high gloss or matt shine depending of the chosen finishes. these we then fired in the kilns.

This technique was and interesting one to learn, I love the process and I could see myself using this with copper in future projects.

I was surprised with the pigmentation in the enamel as I was not expecting them to be that vibrant.

we started by experimenting with shapes we had cut and manipulated using malleable copper. we then moved onto pre formed shapes, this was when I decided I would quench the copper at certain points of the heating process to capture colourants in the bowl. this was effective at first then I started to realise the surface began to tarnish and darken. To eliminate this I put the copper into a solution that stripped this back. I then used forming circled to gently bash the bowl into a more curved form and softened the harshness of the cut.

Using the formed bowl I used a clear glaze and blues and greens. I was extremely happy with the outcomes.

During this workshop I was introduced to the technique, spot welding. this is a method for joining steel wire together. Our task was to start with a two dimensional square and experiment with the technique to create a composition.

The advice given to me during this workshop is the smoother the shapes made using the wire the more successful the forms will be.

I decided to continue to look at the spiral form that I had used in a previous workshop, this is so I can start creating components for my mobile project.

I enjoyed experimenting with this flexible material, I am now aware of its potential and uses. I have started to think about ideas for the mobile, I wanted to focus on the cube form, having a five sided hanging mobile that is different from all viewpoints, I want to focus on the decorative aesthetic of the piece as I feel this is more important than the function.

During the second part of this workshop we were shown how to heat copper sheet with a blow torch so that it became malleable in order to manipulate it and create shapes in order to use an enamelling technique during the next workshop.

During this first workshop, the focus was to practice with techniques.

I was shown the plaster carving method, this was a simple method to use as it is focused on relief and surface.this technique would be very appropriate for shallow relief forms.

 I decided to approach this task with the idea of playing with the materials and exploring ways I can push the material, therefore I felt a continuous line allowed me to explore thickness, shape and texture. 

I faced problems whilst undertaking the task, due to the shallow nature of the design I had chosen I found during  the pouring of the pewter it struggled to reach all the areas of the design, causing big gaps in my forms. although this was resolvable by working back into the forms and taking more of the plaster away,  trying this multiple times with no improvement, it was suggested to me to draw breathing holes into the forms.

The forms that did not go to plan are the ones that I prefer as they remind me of washed up shells, that have been eroded by being endlessly tumbled in the sea.

I want to experiment with this method in the future as I feel it would be an appropriate technique to explore surface, textures and pattern.

As a practitioner I prefer to work with clay or ceramic based mediums. I explore the process of human manipulations and controlled conditions can change the textural value of clay. For my final show I created globes that explored human controlled textures manipulated into a manmade shape. As part of my art foundation I had to display my work in a final year show, this allowed me to develop my skills as a practitioner to develop towards a final goal, being more professional within a working environment has expanded my overall art and design knowledge.

During my visit to the London design festival 2018 I was inspired by the innovative approaches, companies, designers and artists have in making usable and decorative items. I found the most eye-catching work that was the displays considered the viewers perspectives, emotional and sensory responses. By having a more inclusive approach to design makes the work more accessible to the user/ viewer. I am going to take this experience and continue to research to further inspire me for future projects. I feel excited to move into this wide field of subject areas on this course and develop my skills in ceramics.

I want to continue to challenge areas I learnt on my art foundation and progress new techniques and explore a range of mediums other than ceramics. I am looking Forward to participating in studio practice and learning about context behind artistic movements. From this week and my exploration of the V&A and London design faire and Festival, I have found an interest in wanting to learn new skills in which will be available to be within the workshops provided in my course. Although these separate mediums are not something I have ventured into previously, I think it will challenge and develop my work as an artist.