Thursday, May 21, 2009

Ready to Raku

Here are some of the bowls I threw left handed. I like the way they look, but I cannot center this way. So, I may go back to throwing right handed and definitely trim left handed. I'm going to Raku all of this on Sunday. Should be fun, I have some new glazes to try out. The clay is white sculpture clay. I like throwing this better than raku clay but it is quite groggy. I can't get a very smooth surface but it gave some interesting surface texture in my last raku firing.


Testing out some of my sprigs for pendant possibilities. Great way to use up trimmings from slab work.
more left handed bowls

I know everyone makes these little trays, but I love using the last of my clay when it's getting too hard to throw for these. They are an easy thing to fill up the kiln with and use up some scraps. I think a raku glaze on them will be nice.

8 comments:

Hollis Engley said...

Nice hefty feet turned on those bowls. I like that. And the grogged clay might be good in a wood-firing. Lots of texture. Tell me about the Buddha on that one bowl.

Judy Shreve said...

Tracey - these are great bowls. I can't believe you've taught yourself to throw right handed -- and trim left handed. You're so ambidextrous - - lol. Please post photos after the firing.

I love the Buddha too. Is he a sprig mold?

Tracey Broome said...

Hollis, the Buddha is a little sprig I made from a pendant I found. I think the shape of that bowl with the Buddha would be nice to fill with sand or dry rice or maybe rocks and use for incense or candles. I'm trying to find some functional uses for these raku pieces that don't include food.
I like hefty turned feet also.

Tracey Broome said...

Hey Judy, my right hand is pretty useless, actually. I can't do anything right handed. Throwing is a challenge, I need the strength and coordination of my left hand to center the clay but making a pull with my right hand has always been awkward. Like everything else for left handed people, I'm just working it out as I go. Never have liked three ring binders and pots with spouts that pour for right handed folks! And scissors......

Anonymous said...

looks like the left-handed throwing worked out well though

Linda Starr said...

What wonderful work, love all your sprig pendants and especially love the round big footed bowl. Can't wait to see the results of your firing.

Peter said...

Lovely work Tracey. I have been following your left handed progress with great interest. I think I spiral wedge in a left handed way with the clay rotating the "wrong" way, mostly due to a wrist injury, but throw right handed... maybe I should convert to entirely left??!! Nice bowls.

Tracey Broome said...

Peter, I spiral wedge left handed too. It's just all so complicated, isn't it!