Once you have completed a project, you're invited to email a photo so it can be added the project's gallery (be sure to follow these guidelines). You can also post pictures of your work in the Pottery Forum.
A Few Words on Project Submissions
Please do read all the project instructions, including the beginning and end date for submissions to each particular project. Project submissions that arrive too soon or too late will not be considered. Please do read and follow the guidelines on how to submit a photo.
Also, please take the demonstration pieces I present you as a jumping off point. I deliberately keep them fairly simple so that you can stretch out in your own direction within the project's parameters. You are allowed to make multiple submissions to each project, but please send them in separate emails. If you do submit multiple pieces and each piece is part of a series, e.g. pushing the envelop further in each piece, please note that in your email for each piece.
Pitchers in January
Photo © 2009 Beth E Peterson
Pitchers are great functional pieces and should be created with a real eye to both craftsmanship and aesthetic considerations. Explore issues of volume, primary form, form modification, negative space, and surface-form integration through this project.
Mugs in February
Photo © 2009 Beth E Peterson
Now that you have something to pour from, you need something to pour into. Mugs are a great way to continue the explorations begun with pitchers. They can be one-of-a-kind items, perhaps for your special Valentine, or you can create sets.
Lidded Jars for March
Photo © 2009 Beth E Peterson
Who can resist the desire to peek into a handsome or unusual jar? In doing this pottery project, explore lidded jars are both container and mystery. Project Instructions...
Use Underglazes in April
Photo © 2009 Beth E Peterson
People and Animal Vessels in May
Image Courtesy of Claire Houck © 2008
Pottery that has animal or people characteristics is a great way to move into the more sculptural aspects of clay. The goal is to make a vessel that is also a face, head, or body. Caricatures, portrait pots, and realistic renditions are all fair game in this project. Project Instructions...
Special Tableware in June and July
Photo © 2009 Beth E Peterson
Do you like the idea of creating pottery for the dining table? Perhaps you have a special event coming up, such as a wedding reception, award banquet, or an extra-special party. Create a touch of elegance at your table by making pottery to add elegance. Items such as name card holders, napkin rings, spoon dishes, and individual bouquet baskets are all fair game (plus any other "little touches" pottery you think up). Project Instructions...
Lamps and Lights in July and August
Photo © 2009 Beth E Peterson
Break out of the brass lamp tradition and create your own lamp out of clay. Push the idea of clay as a container for and uplifter of light. Submit your own! Project Instructions...
Plates for August and September
Photo © 2009 Beth E Peterson
August is the month for plates. Plates are wonderful pieces, because they have so much potential as a surface for decoration. Create your plate and then use it as your own canvas. Project Instructions...
September Pottery Project: Sgraffito
Photo © 2009 Beth E Peterson
This month's project is to create a pottery or ceramic piece using the sgraffito technique. Your piece can be functional, sculptural, or somewhere in between. Submit your sgraffito pottery and see others' in the Sgraffito Project Gallery.
