14 March 2010

Before and After

I've grown comfortable making pots this size, using a 4lb. piece as the base and 3lb. piece on top before adding the collar that you see here. I use a small soldering torch to firm things up, something I avoided for a long time for reasons inexplicable. The collar or 'cap' is made from a little more than a pound. I love the challenge of making these classic shapes with a seamless lines. I'll put a hefty handle on this bottle in a couple of days.
Everything I make is an homage to someone or something or other and this is no exception. Ray Finch made the most wonderful and robust cider jars, some as tall as 4 feet!. I aspire to make pots that great height one day. These really should have a spigot attached at the base to properly serve cider.
I made this vase before the bottle above. It's widest point is a bit low for my tastes, but by the time I add handles at the top I think it will change the visual balance enough to pass muster. I dropped that little porcelain cup in front for scale, and the bird head is there because it cracks me up as it rises through the table...

8 comments:

claydancer said...

I agree. The form on the top image is lovely and the bird does seem to be coming through the table. Nice.

Ron said...

What's in your box of FACES? Love the bottle.

Linda Starr said...

Love the bird, just wonderful. I heard the peepers. Right after I read your blog we had a bunch of rain and they sang all night long and because I read your blog I knew what they were. Still haven't seen them hopefully one of these days, thanks so much.

Dan Finnegan said...

The 'faces' box contains stamps I've carved.

Anonymous said...

that's a hilarious picture with the bird's head. i love to experiment with the multiple piece form, those are getting quite tall.

Hollis Engley said...

The tall pots are lovely, and I always like Ray's cider jars. But ... is that ... wait a minute ... no, I think it is ... is that a teabowl???

cindy shake said...

Lovely forms! Hands down, the birds you have been making are just the BEST.

Dan Finnegan said...

Thanks for the compliments, and Hollis, I know you're trying to wind me up and get me to write my 'teabowl rant'! With AKAR's upcoming show etc. it's been on my mind to burst that mighty bubble!