New crack pots

3 out of a series of 6 pots I'm creating for an upcoming show, the remaining 4 will be fired in the next few days. The 16" ovals were thrown using the largest amounts of clay I've attempted so far, 35 (15kg) and 25lb (11kg). To those of you with an electric wheel this may not seem like a lot of clay, for me it is an accomplishment as they were made on a treadle style kickwheel. Oh, one more thing, these are one piece ovals.

16" diameter x 4.5" deep oval

16" x 3" oval

12" x 2.25" oval

Great pots.
Thanks for sharing!

nice rugged pots - awesome for an aged pine with mature bark, or a corky maple or elm - lovely finish, i like them a lot

Keith,
Good to see your latest stuff!

One piece ovals eh? How's about a shot from above? I am guessing it was the cut out technique...


Your pots are rockin!

Thanks for sharing

Appreciate the kind words!

Rob,
I've tried the two piece ovals but it takes up too much space for drying and longer assembly process, plus I can't get the texture I want. This pot took me 45 min to complete, a week to dry enough to remove from the bat and flip up side down. Another week to get past leather then its into the kiln at 185deg for 4hrs to complete the drying and it's ready to bisque

Keith,

I think you are onto something here. Anything that can save you time in the long process of construction to bisque warrants looking into.

You know, there are so many methods to use for making pots. I think we tend to hone in on those methods that work best for what we have given constraints of time, space, equipment, etc. Myself personally, I am getting close to a rhythm of making ovals that works for me, but there still remains a lot of variation among potters and the methods they employ. Some work off the wheel, some don't even throw....

Anyhoo, nice work

Rob

Nice pots, Keith!
And like Marcus have said they will complement fine aged bonsais !

kitoi wrote: ... ... Another week to get past leather ... ...

I know only one or two things about pottery...., will you please explain the above to me ignorant? Thank you.

Thank you nellie,
Leather hard clay refers to stage during the drying of clay, it's still visibly damp but has dried enough to be able to be handled without deformation. The clay is able to be carved without breaking, but will not leave impressions from your fingers.

The remaining pots are firing now, stay tuned for photos tomorrow.

Not sure if its one of your secrets but would love to know how you got that cracked look? I have just bought a block of clay and started meesing around. I love the rougher looking pots and this effect is amazing.

Hilton,
Sodium silicate for surface cracks is no secret but how I apply it is

These 3 complete the 6 pots needed for my collection entry into next months C&S show
11"x3" oval


9"x4" square


8"x4" round


10"x3" This was intended to be an oval but it collapsed, was able to salvage it and created a square

Great looking pots Keith.

I always enjoy seeing your new work. The cracked patterns you create are very unique.

Those one piece ovals are nicely done.

Are the feet attached separately?

Cheers,
Paul

Appreciate it Paul!
I'm always trying to stay one step ahead of the other potters with texture, size and depth. Most the people I know that try to emulate what I do keep it to a small scale. Rarely anything over 8" and too deep. Recycled a lot of clay try to figure how to throw this style big and in one piece. When I say one piece ovals (other shapes as well), I mean one piece including the feet.

Hi Kitoi
I love the rugged look to these crackel pots, but I have a question for you. How well do they stand up to winter conditions. To me it seems like they are more likely to break in freezing conditions.
Mitch

Mitch,
The pots are made out of vitrified stoneware and can take freezing temps in general. The small surface cracks should pose no dangers with expansion but I do not know if the deeper fissures will withstand that movement. Maybe I should send a pot northeast for a freeze test?

Keith, thank you for your answer.

kitoi wrote: ... ... These 3 complete the 6 pots needed for my collection entry into next months C&S show
... ...

I wish you every good luck with the show!
We look forward to hearing from you.

Kitoi
I would love to have one but it may take a few years to do a freeze test here in North East,New Orleans LA. We only get 3-4 days a year below freezing. LOL
Mitch

Won best succulent in the advanced class, that's also my plant/pot that won best miniature


5in scoop

Took these two pots to show as well
17in oval, sold at auction


9in oval, purchased by famous C&S writer and photographer Debra Lee Baldwin

Well done and congrats

Mitch