Ceramics - week 3

This week in the ceramics workshop we were told that we were going to make clay tiles. So before I did the class I made a few quick sketches of ideas I could use to decorate the tiles.

Sketches

The sketches are not that good as I did them quickly and I have changed the ideas on the tiles. These did help me brainstorm a few ideas for the tiles that I would do in lesson.

 

To make the tiles I had to first roll out the clay with a rolling pin in between two wooden sticks to make sure the clay was level. Next I had to cut out the tile with a square template and smooth the edges down I did this with my hands. Then I had to decorate the tiles that I cut out. While decorating I used many tools to create cool textures and designs. For example I used my fingers to press in some designs, I used some shape cutters/molds and textured materials to stick and press designs onto the clay and I used small knives and detailing sticks to create me own unique design/pattern. The tiles will then be fired in the kiln and glazed.

Tile 1

This is my first tile I made and I admit it doesn't look as appealing as some of the other things I have made. I hope that when it is fired and coloured it will look better but I don't really like it much. I don't think I had a clear idea of what I wanted it to look like so I improvised and made it up as I went along. It is inspired by bees and beehives but it just didn't turn out as nice as I would have liked it to.

Tile 2

This is the second tile I made and this one turned out a lot better than the first one. I like all aspects of this tile and I think the background is really nice and doesn't blend in. I found this tile quite easy to make as well because it is simple but beautiful. I definitely like this one more.

Both tiles together

Next week I will be putting some colour on all my ceramics work that I have made in the workshop and I will be learning a new process that I cannot wait to learn. Until then goodbye x