ND12 Sketch Pad-McRae:FOB dept template
10/14/12
3:33 PM
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Sketch Pad Design ideas in the making
I OFTEN THINK OF a pattern before defining the shapes it will be applied to. After some quick sketches, or some-
times just test-carving the idea on a spare, I am able to work out technical aspects of the elements in relationship to each other. For my new Paris ceramics collection I loved the idea of thick “bubbles” stacked on top of each other, with the rims of the pieces having a random edge. After deciding on overall shapes and sizes for the bowls, I then made several circular templates on thick paper to figure out the scale of the pattern to be applied. Using the templates and working downward and around from the rim, I draw the pattern on each piece while the clay is only leather-hard. After the first couple of rows I start drawing the lower carved edge, having it undulate rather dramatically so as to create the “organic” vibe I want in this collection. I’ve found, after carving the first couple of pieces, that the negative shapes created by the stacked bubbles are the most interesting aspect of this pattern. My favorite days are those spent unloading the kiln to see if my endeavors were successful—and inevitably finding something needing a tweak. Ah, someday! LAWRENCE MCRAE, BOSTON, (617) 422-0667, WWW.LAWRENCEMCRAE.COM
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New England Home November/December 2012