Throwing Clay to Achieve Texture and Interest on Assembled Pots Jake Allee

The stilted bucket is a product of several elements within my creative process. One of the primary elements is historical inspiration, and, after looking at many examples of Chinese Chou period bronzes, I began to think about how I could change the orientation of my forms to construct new work. Many bronze pieces have a combination of geometric and organic elements with an angular quality that creates interest within the form, and I wanted to inject this into my repertoire. Deconstructing Chinese forms in my sketch book, I realized that many of these pieces stand on tripods that lift the forms in a manner that makes me want to put my hand under them and lift them up. I also realized that most of the textures created from altering clay appear on the sides of my pieces, and the light bulb in my head turned on. How could I create a form that would make the viewer want to interact with it in the same way that I wanted to handle an ancient Chinese bronze on a tripod.

The Stilted Bucket is composed of three basic thrown forms. The first is a bulbous cylinder that is marked, altered and sprigged. The second is a thick disc stretched into an oval. The last is a bottomless, wide cylinder with a clean lip and attention given to the base. After creating these pieces, they're cut apart and reused for assembly. Do all the throwing at the same time to ensure even moisture content in the components.

Throw a basic cylinder without a bottom. Pay extra attention to centering because any flaw is reflected in the final form.

After creating the profile, carefully mark an evenly spaced grid around the exterior. The next step exaggerates the form and the end result is larger in volume.

Starting from the bottom and working to the top, press out the form with your finger using the marks as guidelines. Try to press each area the same amount in order to maintain the symmetry of the form.

Make small balls of clay and press them into the clay at the intersections of the grid. This pushes back in and emphasizes the alteration. Trim excess clay from the bottom. Set aside and allow it to become leather hard.

Throw a 1-inch thick disc and compress it, but end the compression about 3/4 of an inch from the edge. This creates a line that later relates to the pot's design elements.

Keep the outer edge profile smooth then undercut the disc.

Immediately remove the disc from the wheel and stretch it into an oval by throwing it onto a canvas surface.

Make sure the piece hits the table at an angle so the disc stretches.

The clay should make a "wisp" sound instead of a "WHAM!" when it hits the table.

After stretching the disc, roll the edges over to eliminate any sharpness.

This also creates a relationship between the curled area and the handles that will be attached later.

Throw a wide bottomless cylinder. Mimic the curve created by the side of the bulbous altered cylinder.

Shape and compress the lip. Finish the base with an old credit card with a curved notch cut into it. This creates a line that relates to the profile of the other edges. Set aside to stiffen up.

Trim excess clay from the bottom of the bulbous form.

The piece should be symmetrical top to bottom and left to right.

Cut the leather-hard bulbous form and stretched disc in half.

These become the belly and the stilts respectively.

Prepare for assembly by scoring the pieces.

Place the bulbous underbelly on a piece of foam and attach it to the stilts.

Reinforce the connection on the interior with a small coil that is blended in.

Attach the other stilt.

Cut away a section of the wide cylinder, and attach it to the rim of the bowl.

Remember to always leave more clay than you think you will need when cutting this piece.

Blend in small coils to reinforce all joints on both the inside and outside of the piece.

Continue to rest the piece on a block of foam to protect the stilts and bowl.

Cut a curve in the base of each stilt, but pay attention to the relationship of these curves to the established composite form.

After addressing the details on the underside, pull two short handles and attach them to the top of the stilts.

Curl the handles to mimic the top of the stilt. Dry the piece under plastic for several days.

"Triple Stilted Bucket," 6-1/2 inches in height, thrown and altered composite form, soda fired to cone 10. An architectural piece designed to elevate food in the extravagance of the standard smorgasbord spread. This piece operates under the assumption that not everyone likes chocolate pudding mixed in with their creamed corn.