Relationship Between Glaze and Form/Design

Many elements contribute to the overall appearance of a project, from glaze to form to surface design to negative space to pattern. The way ligth reflects off a project also determines how a project is regarded. In advanced ceramics during the second semester of my sophomore year, I have explored how certain aspects of a projet can be accented. The relationship between glaze and form or design determines what parts of projects are highlighted. My projects demonstrate how and why this occurs.


My collection is composed 6 pieces. A plate (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQ6ODq-7pVk/S_sg0QK0WYI/AAAAAAAAAB4/SuVHTgRRCdY/s1600/P5240463.JPG) has random glaze on a regular shape, and as a result attention is drawn to the glaze design. A vase (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQ6ODq-7pVk/S_sYgsEC_VI/AAAAAAAAABw/ssqIyv9X43Y/s1600/blue+vase.jpg) has a smooth, spherical belly and a simple, dark, and smooth glaze that highlights the form of the projet. A plate (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQ6ODq-7pVk/S_sUDcwomaI/AAAAAAAAABY/OYZQU4o9uDk/s1600/plate+set+of+three.jpg) has random loops on it in blue stain and a runner that are highlighted over the form because of the specifiity of the design. A small vase (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQ6ODq-7pVk/S_sTtPntjFI/AAAAAAAAABQ/yuvxsE4AM6o/s1600/bluegreen+vase.jpg) has highlighted color as a result of the complimentary colors and simple shape. A turtle bowl (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lQ6ODq-7pVk/S_sRwg1iRgI/AAAAAAAAAAo/adssosFB3Go/s1600/turtle+bowl.jpg) has an accented applicated figure becasue of a dull colored glaze on the whole project except for the turtle. Simple, light glaze brings attention elsewhere: to the turtle and turtle cutout. A mug (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lQ6ODq-7pVk/S_sOzAkR57I/AAAAAAAAAAY/JVqJXncakx8/s1600/mug.jpg) has surface design of two leaves that wrap around the body of the project. Dark glaze is in the surface design and this brings attention to the surface design, not glaze qualities or form. These projects all have a different art element that is highlighted becasue of different relationships between glaze and form.


Surface design, texture, patterns, glaze, reflections, and form all help determine how a project is viewed. I experimented with throwing techniques, glazing tehniques, and surface design in my ceramics endeavor. An over simplified shape with a solid, dull glaze creates a boring project, and an elaborate shape with surface design and busy glaze creates a chaotic, messy appearance. I prefer uniform shapes and strong, solid, bi- or tricolor glazing that hold a simple elegance or simple shapes with surface design and minimal glaze colors that highlight only the design. I had many projets come out no well because I oversimplified or tried to incorporate too many art elements at once. A balance is required to highlight one piece of the project and make it the dominant element, whether it is form of design or glaze.


One strong art element acompanied by simple other elements creates a balance in projects. The eye is drawn to highlighted sections and in this way the project is remembered. If too many parts are acented, the project is too busy and the eyes are confused about where to look, and the result is chaos. The highlighted element cannot be overpowering, but it has to be stronger than all the other parts of a projet to avoid a busy look. A certain balance is needed in all projects, strong characteristics need to be offset by weaker accompaniments. The mind seeks a balance in the world, and balanced projects are the most appealing.


Certain characteristics are accented because of the relationship between all of their art elements. I am drawn towards random glazes and surface design because they represent fragility of the present and change. The balance between glaze and form or surface design highlights one particular element, making a memorable and interesting project.