I continue to work on the imaginary vase series. The latest images shows a front and back view of a work in progress. This particular vase tried to recreate the loopy handles that are so easy to draw but are very difficult to create in clay. Gravity and the nature of the material (its inclination to sag if over-extended or too wet) make these elements difficult. This is a first attempt and I hope that I would get better at anticipating problems and increasing my dexterity as I continue trying to solve this problem.
I’ve included a randomly chosen drawing of an assembly of vases to show how handles can be elaborate in a drawing. Trying to recreate them in a sculpture (out of clay) can be difficult.
I am including these images just to record a before and after situation, where the unrefined features of this vase can be looked at in comparison to the finished version.
I realized, as I got to the top that this piece, that perhaps I do not have to sculpt a “flower” to complete this form. So much sculptural information is happening that a flower may trivialize the sculptural focus of the vase. I also am toying with the idea of closing the top of the vase, not permitting a flower to be inserted. I don’t know if these are pivotal or major issues but many possibilities exist in the making of these pieces. Each decision made at an early stage directs one to different decisions later on.
I continue to rethink the title of this series. “Imaginary Vase” hardly seems appropriate when they do exist and no longer are imagined but real. Perhaps the time has come to call them what they are - sculptural vases. Another choice is to give an individual name for each piece. This one in particular reminds me of particular cultural pieces that have multiple handles like Jomon or African pieces and even some elaborate Baroque vases.
Assembly #8 ink, white pencil on paper 28” x 22”