Thursday 29 September 2011

Gathering research and inspiration

I have been looking on etsy to gather information of the kinds of ceramics people make and sell, there is so much out there. I feel inspired to go and get started and explore the different objects I can make. I have picked out a few things I really like.





Wendy Alderman



Orly Pittel





From browsing and reading I have discovered a never ending list of possibilities of objects to make and ways to make them using ceramics and glass. I am discovering that there are many different techniques to stain them, paint, print, illustrate on to the objects and need to research them in further depth. And I haven't even read the books I got out of the library yet! I think I need to concentrate on one material and one object to begin with.


  • Kitchenware; plates, pots, tea pots, mugs, tea sets, sauces, coasters, bowls...
  • Vases
  • Moneyboxes
  • Plantpots
  • Brooches
  • Jewellery; rings, necklaces
  • Bookstops
  • Decorations
  • Ornaments
  • Tiles
  • Textured paper; smelly paper

Amazing Old Pottery And China




If I could make my own tea set, I would be the happiest person ever. I really like old tea set and teapot pot designs and patterns. They are classic.

What material would be best to work with to create durable and usable objects such as kitchenware?

What I want to learn, in simpler terms

  • Paper making.
  • Ceramics; kitchenware, mug making, pots, candle holders, among other objects.
  • Pottery.
  • How to work with clay.
  • Glass making.
  • How to combine ceramics/glass with images and illustrations.
  • Hand painting onto objects.
  • Printing onto objects.
  • Pyrography pen, try using.
  • What will I be good at and enjoy? 
To do this, I am going to go and live in the Ceramics workshop and get to know the room and staff and ask for lots of help. I will go to the drop in as much as I can in my free time. Once I have learned things I can become a bit more independent as my confidence grows and skills develop. I'm going to keep a sketchbook of ideas and illustrations and sketches to develop with the project as well as my blog. I will photograph and document my progress as well in the studio about what I'm learning, what works, what doesn't, good days and bad days!

    Illustrated Mugs



    I really like these illustration and print on these mugs. Made by Mini Moderns. I really love a lot of their prints and design onto interiors, cushions, curtains, kitchenware. I wish I could buy it all for my house. I would like to try something like this, maybe a simple illustration in one colour or multiple colours if I can do it!

    http://minimoderns.com/