Sunday, March 23, 2008

Bird Girls





















Here are the first of the Bird Girls that I have made.
I haven't exactly figured out what glazes I think I might use to really bring out the girls details. I was thinking of a greenish minty turquoise matte. I have used it a bit and really love the color but am not quite sure of it.
Something in me wants to go with a warm yellow.
I'll have to think about it a little more.


7 comments:

Undaunted said...

Yay you're back! Ok, it's only been a couple of weeks but it felt like forever!

I'm finding your blog really interesting. Did you need to make these bird girls hollow? If not, how thick would you say you can make a sculpture and it still be ok for firing? (I'm a learner!)

Leanne Pizio said...

Hello Undaunted.
I am so glad you missed me!
What a great comment to wake up to.

these bird girls are made hollow out of really small coils. The only thing solid is their arms. But if you wanted to do some sculptures that were solid I wouldn't fire anything over an inch and a half. And I would make sure to let it dry for at least 2 weeks in good weather. Then makes sure to candle the kiln overnight and you should be good to go. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I would be glad to help in any way I can!

ps do you know about air pockets?

Undaunted said...

Well, I know about having to wedge the clay first, and also making sure there are holes in hollow pieces, but I don't really know anything about firing or glazing and I don't have my own kiln :( I'm trying to find somewhere with a kiln I can use.

I started painting in January this year, but clay is really my first love. I'd love to learn how to use a potters wheel, all about firing temperatures, glazes, different clays, and anything else there is to know. I think I need to make some serious enquiries about classes, because I don't know how I am going to learn all this on my own.

What do you mean by small coils? Any chance of you posting a photo to show me what you mean?

Can a piece be left too long to dry? I have a piece that needs firing but I finished it months ago - will it harm it?

Thank you for your help! I really appreciate it!

Leanne Pizio said...

Hey Un D,
Let me get a piece started and I'll post a tutorial on coil building for you. Also, the piece that you have had sitting will be fine. A piece can never be too dry and really it preferable for them to be bone dry before going into the kiln.
I wish you lived closer!
I teach here at the studio, but will be glad always to answer any questions that you have if I can.

Look back tomorrow afternoon and I should have a post just for you.

Leanne P

Leanne Pizio said...

Hey Un D,
I will post then about air pockets.

Undaunted said...

Ok, thank you! :)

Leanne Pizio said...

Hey Un D,
I made a blog just for clay tutorials because I thought I might do some other ones. I found this one to be so much fun. I think you can go to my profile and find it. It is boringly called Clay tutorials.
I hope it is not too basic for you. If it is I apologize.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Leanne