LIFELINE

 

 

Accidents create wonderful art. The challenging part for me, is to view an accident in an opportunistic, and positive way.

 

 

A platter, which I call "Lifeline" evolved accidentally.

As I was rolling out my slab of clay, the fabric sandwiching it, wrinkled as the clay went through the slab roller. I was at Victoria Jenkins 'Clay Camp', and working on her fabulous slab roller. It can handle big, glamorous chunks of clay. I was enjoying 'pushing my envelope' by making HUGE slabs with it.

 

 

 

Once the slab came through, I peeled back the top layer of fabric. Victoria was hovering over me, helping out.

The fabric had wrinkled in several places, indenting the clay.

 I paused, and Vic said,

"You can fix it!"    

                                                                                                                                                (You have to know, that Vic and I could fix anything, if necessary.)

We pulled it the rest of the way out, and set it aside. I've learned that that is the best way to deal with clay disappointments. My eyes need to view a piece with fresh eyes, in order to adapt to surprises.

 

 

Two minutes later, the decision was made. Leave it alone, and take a new approach.

 

 

 

 

Even before "Lifeline" was glazed, everyone who saw it OOooohed!

 

Because the indentations were soft, I wanted the glaze to be soft, too. It is a platter I just want to stroke.

 

"Lifeline" is inspired by the creases on the palm of my hand!

Photos courtesy of Gary Viola