New and improved Steps Planter with drip tray. Gonna be available soon in unglazed terracotta and a series of glaze colors within the next week or two.
Dimensions:6”w x 5”h
#terracotta #pottery #palmsprings
~Trimming a Tall Steps Planter~
After slip-casting this design in a plaster mold, I wait overnight and then remove the piece from the mold when it is leather hard.
I then remove the seam lines and any inconsistent texture with a metal rib and wipe it down with a sponge to create a smooth finish.
Afterward, I take it to the wheel to trim off the reservoir piece and give it a final finish using a sponge and water. This is an extra step compared to most potters, but I find it gives my pieces an extra-consistent texture and color. Terracotta clays often have high salt contents that do not burn off in firing, so smudgy wipe marks are easily left behind. Sponging on the wheel with lots of water usually eliminates this issue.
Next just gotta let this bb dry out and then it’s time to fire 🕺
#gay4clay #terracotta #ceramics #palmsprings
~Trimming a saucer for the Planes Planter~
After casting the piece I take it to the wheel to trim off the excess bits and then sponge it down to smooth out any textural inconsistencies.
Terracotta clay is prone to surface scumming as a result of salts rising to the surface during casting, so I’ve found that sponging down on the wheel helps to minimize this scumming as much as possible.
