Ceramic Design

This class combines art students with design students, so that we have the ability to work together and learn from one another. We are taught to approach our projects from both an artistic, and a design, point of view. We are developing one design throughout the semester and we will eventually create five identical pieces, using molds and a technique called slip casting.

I have designed a drinking glass and I plan to use porcelain because I am interested in the contrast of this polished surface compared to a much rougher texture of natural rock, although they both come from the earth. I am also interested in the juxtaposition of a modern form with the natural, jagged, form of the rock. The texture will create more tactility for the user and provide a connection to nature. We live in a throw away culture, but my aim is to create a connection where the user will cherish the object. 

I am also interested in exploring the unpredictability of natural materials and processes. I would like to incorporate unpredictability in my design. The basic shape will remain the same for all five that I create, but each may have a unique rock texture.