New potter

I am just getting started with bonsai pottery (I've had four "batches" come out of the kiln) and wanted to share what I've done so far. I am an artist (oil painter) by training, but fell in love with bonsai about seven years ago now, and have just taken up ceramics over the past year. I rarely have any time for it, plus I'm slow at it- thus only four batches. I would appreciate any comments or criticism any of you are willing to share with me.

Thanks,

Steve


This is my first porcelain one. I carved it from a block. It has some flaws in the glaze, so I am showing you the good side.


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A small shohin pot.


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Second porcelain pot- featuring my attempt at a foo dog.




Going into the kiln, I assumed this one would come out a total piece of junk, but the fire did a trick and I have actually grown fond of it.






Trying out some decorative rivets.









Couldn't get the camera to capture this one. It is a dragon in the water. I put the clear celadon glaze on too thick and it caused a kind of frosty version of the under painting.

Thanks for taking a look!

I think they're really nice, especially the first and last. That first pot, how bad is the bad side? I want it - er, um, I mean how big is it?

Russell

You got great skill there,keep them coming,they are all great

Alex

Thanks for the kind replies! I'm not ready to begin selling because I am still too new to it all, and these represent my first attempts. I think if I parted with them, I would miss them later in life. This, plus I had my firstborn recently, and from the looks of things, I may only be able to make a handful a year for the next decade or so.

Astonishingly good "first attempts"! If that is how you are starting out, you are well on the path to a career in bonsai pottery. Keep watching and sharing with the other potters on this forum please.

Happy to see you posting here.

Hi Steve,
these are absolutely beautiful pots



Best wishes
Peter

Steve,
That last porcelain pot is amazing. I can't stop looking at it. Keep up the great work.

Todd

Hi Steve

Really cool work,you're off to a great start, epecially the porcelain pots !!!!!!!!!!!

Cheers

Vic

Yah really bad stuff Steve! We all wish we could start that good. The photos dont do these justice.
You even got Peter's attention. You missed a good meeting.
Rob

Steve, nice artistic pots. Keep up the good works.

Cheers.

CJ
http://newzealandteatreebonsai.blogspot.com/

Thanks for the encouraging comments everyone. I will try to post whenever I get anything good out of the kiln.

I love Your porcelain pots!

You have a wonderful talent,the porcelain pots are truely beautiful, thankyou for sharung with us
Bob

Seriously nice pots Steve!

Having been (in the past) closely involved in the tattoo world, and being heavily influenced by the Japanese style, I find your painted pots especially attractive. The Foo dog with Cherry blossom is beautiful, and the dragon bowl is to die for! If you're not happy with it, I can offer it a very good home. Seriously.

Take care and keep 'em coming!

Steve

PS Explore the Cherry/Plum/Apricot blossom motif more.

Your dragon pot is absolutely amazing! I love it.

Libby

These are nicely artistic, Steve. The strongly recessed location of some pots' feet reduces stability but contributes to perceived lightness & elevation.

Steve, your pots are beautiful. I looked at your first pot photo and thought "no, he couldn't have done this one, this must be the wrong picture of a collector's pot ..." But then I realized that it was your pot. I like the way your nail heads look. The dragon pot is looks good in the "celadon mist". You were certainly born to make pots!
Best,
Todd

I agree with everyone these are great. I really hope you find some more time for these i think you are on to somthing these would sell like hot cakes.

Neil

Very nice pots indeed! I think you have done a great job with the painted blue pots especially. This technique requires a lot of time, but the results are definitely worth it, IMHO.

So what are the temp/cone and atmosphere you are firing to?

Thanks for sharing!

Rob

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement, everyone. I really appreciate the feedback.

Thanks, Rob. I should have included that in the original post- all the pot are fired at cone 10 in a reduction atmosphere.