Planter | 2023

Planter #2. Piece #27. Thrown 4/2023. Glazed 5/2023.

In order to make a large planter, you need a lot of clay. It's hard to wedge and throw the amount of clay needed, so I wedged 3 individual pieces and built them one on top of the next, after centering each time:
After wedging a normal amount of clay, I made the size of the base I wanted on the wheel and flattened it.
Then, I scraped off the top so it wasn't wet and attached the next wedge to the top, centering and pushing down (mushroomed) until they joined.
Once they become a solid piece, repeat the process with as many wedges as you want until you are ready to open it up like a bowl.

For this one, I accidentally dented the side when I placed it on a high shelf to try. Be careful, these are heavier than normal!!
I was inspired by planters with some ledges and texture that catch the light
I tested this tool on a rolled out slab, and it looked good. But later I found it was difficult to use this on the wheel because the shape isn't as perfectly even and smooth as a rolled out piece of slab. And, the clay was a lot tougher than the slab. And, it is difficult to keep your hand at the same location vertically as it spins all the way around (especially if the clay accept the grooves forgivingly)
It was also hard to push in strong enough and consistently enough for the full angular groove, so I left it with just the scratch marks. It might be enough texture to take the glaze and add some shadow and interest