Shape is an important aspect of pottery. Achieving a pleasant-looking form takes practice, a critical eye and willingness to experiment. I’ve been playing with the configuration of simple drinking vessels over the last couple of months.
I begin by thinking of the useful purpose of each cup or mug. Will it mostly hold a hot beverage? Could it be used for a cold drink also? Where and when will someone choose to use this item? Will it be used for the first cup of coffee in the morning? Will it hold a mid-day beverage sipped while working? Maybe it will be used at the end of the day to wind down and relax.
Because I use hand-building methods to create my clay forms, subtle changes in the pattern alter the end result of the shape. Is the cup widest at the top or bottom? Should it have a handle?
Sometimes I create a shape just because it is pleasant to my own eye. Other times, I work to create a piece that must fit into specific calculations. Will it fit in the car cup holder would be one of those determining factors.
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