Decorating jugs

Been decorating today. I enjoyed attacking these pots with my rubber comb. I'm happiest when I'm making big jugs and decorating in a more bold and abstract fashion, runny slip and lines that don't join up - I've had fun with these. When working through very wet slip, you get one chance and it either works, or it doesn't, there's no middle ground.



Blogger Matt called this morning and we chatted about what I like to call the 'potter's privilege' - that is, the opportunity to be able to see and enjoy the pot at the many stages of its production. Thre's so much more to making pots than just looking at the finished item.



I love the look of a freshly slipped pot, fluid and glistening in the light. As the slip dries, it flattens, briefly shows the runs and dribbles that will give the surface its variation and character, before finally drying flat, not revealing its surprises again until the glaze has brought the pot's surface back to life.



These will change a great deal after firing, but at the moment I'm pleased with them, I think they fulfil my intention of making something decorative, but not too pretty.