Crafting a Not-So-Ordinary Ramen Bowl
An accompanying video linked at the bottom of this post.
Do you ever look at a simple ceramic bowl and think, "Yawn"? Well, that's exactly what happened so I embarked on the journey of turning a basic ramen bowl into a work of functional art. Let’s journey together into the wild world of ceramic decoration, where sometimes it takes weeks to make a decision.
Throwing in the Deep End: My First Attempt at Ramen Bowls
First things first, you've got to form that clay into a bowl shape, of course. And no, it's not as easy as it looks in those mesmerizing YouTube videos. After a bit of wrestling and wrangling, I managed to pull off the base shape. I even worked my magic to create a swooping curve—think of it as a bowl with personality. But don't be fooled, this was just the beginning. I managed to make three of them and decided to experiment with three different decorating techniques. This is the story of one of them.
The Shrimp Chronicles
After bisque firing, this particular bowl sat on my shelf for a while while I figured out what to do with it. Until eventually, armed with an underglaze pen and a week's worth of shrimp sketches (yes, I'm serious), I meticulously sketched out the shrimp design. Let's just say my doodles took over my life for a while. Once I felt brave enough, I took that pen and went to town on my bowl canvas. Side note: I sketched out a basic shape first with a pencil as it will burn off in the kiln.
Bubbles and Blues
Who would have thought that blowing bubbles in a cup of cobalt wash mixed with dish soap and water could turn out so well? With a pile of bubbles in a dish, I dipped my bowl and voila—blue bubbles kissed the exterior, creating a whimsical pattern that's like a playful nod to the sea.
A Glossy Finish
To finish things off, I coated the exterior with clear glaze, turning my bowl into a glossy wonder. It's like the cherry on top, but less sweet and more shiny. The interior got a special treatment with Tangelo Celadon glaze, creating a vibrant orange hue that matches the orange underglaze used to draw the shrimp.
The Big Reveal: A Bowl for All Seasons
A bowl with a big personality! It is as vibrant as its decorative. It's not a timeless artifact, nor is it a relic of ancient pottery. It's a reflection of the modern, quirky artist-meets-foodie in me. Sure, it's just a bowl, but it's a bowl that holds stories, creativity, and a love for the unexpected.
Conclusion: The Not-So-Ordinary Bowl
In a world where bowls often blend into the background, mine stands out with its shrimp, bubbles, and a whole lot of heart. It's a testament to the joy of experimentation, the courage to doodle shrimp like there's no tomorrow, and the thrill of turning everyday objects into something a little less ordinary.
And there you have it—my adventure in the world of ceramic decoration, where a bowl becomes a canvas. Just remember, it's not about grandiosity; it's about letting your imagination run wild, one underglaze pen stroke (or bubble) at a time.
Watch the process in my quick one-minute video on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.