I get inspired everywhere. Often I can't sleep because I have forms or techniques I would like to try. I spend a lot of time on the internet, reading books and magazines and I try to visit galleries and museums when I can.
I used to post pictures in a sketchbook and draw a form based on the piece. I don't like to make a carbon copy. I want it to be my own. I have not kept up with the sketchbook as I should. This is something I am trying to improve on.
In California, my professor was fantastic on the wheel. He threw the most elegant large thin forms. I took many pictures of his demonstrations and I often refer back to these. His philosophy was to throw a good form and only trim a foot. Never trim the body. I tend not to fire a lot of my pieces I do because they simply are not up to par. Therefore, I have the extra job of recycling my own clay by hand. :(
I like functional art. I think there is a connection when a piece is picked up and used. My favorite coffee cups are my own. They fit my hands perfectly. I enjoy soup just a little bit more when it is served in a heated ceramic bowl. One of my favorite pieces I made makes a perfect "big salad" bowl. I have yet to be able to duplicate this form.
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