Kathie Wheater on thu 4 sep 03
>The bottom line is the potter's hand does not shape the clay. When using
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>electric potters wheels, extruders, digital pyrometers, and pug mills the
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>potter still shapes the clay. Extruders are included in the list because the
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>clay is not simply squirted out of the machine, it is manipulated after
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>being extruded.
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>
I very much beg to differ on this subject. I have made some exquisite pieces
and sets from purchased preused molds. I choose molds with basic forms that
appeal to my aesthetic and cannot be formed on a wheel. When they wear out, I
remake them.
Why do I consider these pieces hand made?
Upon removal from the mold and while the clay is still wet, I reform it by either
gently reshaping the form, carving, adding, or piercing.
Additionally, I have taken said molds and actually altered the mold.
I acquired some geometric forms where I didn't like the ridges or dercoration and
removed them or added my own. Plaster carves nicely.
How is that any different than something formed from a slab roller or pieces cut with
a template? You can still can get the 'cookie cutter' effect with either.
Like the slab roller the thickness of the piece can be altered by the amount of time
the slip is left in the mold.
So you see, the piece that came from the hand poured mold can require as much
work by hand as any piece that comes from an extruder, slab roller, or wheel.
If you really wanted to get serious, take some 'Precious Moments' stuff and alter
them. Take out some artistic frustration on those!
It's not the tool
It's how you use it
Kathie W
(I can kick butt on the wheel too)
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