2 Views of Summer, 2012

Front and back views of my white Summer Grasses raku vase with bamboo handle. Hand built sculpture clay and paper clay. Grass orchid design is free hand wax resist. White crackle raku glaze. Bamboo is from recycled and repurposed old kendo shinai. Bound with waxed linen twine. 21"H x 8"W x 4.5"D.

I like the simplicity of the design. Doing the free hand wax resist is a one shot deal and I'm happy with the way the grass orchids turn out. The wax resist brushwork is done with a calligraphy brush.

It is more of a sculptural piece rather than an utilitarian one.

Summer Grasses Raku Vase Series

This is a continuation of my Summer Grasses series of raku vases.

Hand built sculpture clay and paper clay. The grass orchid design is free hand wax resist. Different colored raku glazes were used. I experimented with a unique finishing technique for the one on the left.

Each vase is approx 13"H x 6.5"W x 4.5"D. They are ready for my bamboo handles.

I’m a Sucker for All Things Bamboo

There is just something about bamboo that appeals to me. The material that fits very well with the sculptural work that I make and to the Japanese esthetic that I'm attracted to.

This picture shows some of the different types of bamboo material I have around in my studio. Starting from far left:

1. These are kendo shinai which I’m going to use for my vase handles.
2. These two pieces are very special to me. They are remains of a bamboo ikebana vase that’s over 40 years old. I still have to figure out a way to use them.
3. These are store bought bamboo rods, about ½” dia.
4. These were given to me by my friend who does Japanese archery (kyudo). They are broken arrow shafts. Very straight and very nice. No wonder they cost a lot!
5. This is a store bought bamboo pole 1 ¾ dia.
6. These are bamboo stems from my yard. I repurpose them into handles for my raku vases.