A Gritty Fusion of Art and Industry: Creating Smokescape
Explore the story behind the creation of "Smokescape," a ceramic vase that invites you to embrace the fusion of art and industry. In this blog post, we'll unveil the remarkable journey behind the making of "Smokescape," highlighting the meticulous process and distinctive elements that make it a truly extraordinary piece.
The Genesis: From NightCafe to Gritty Images
It all began with a spark of inspiration, fueled by the mesmerizing images generated using NightCafe. With a penchant for the unconventional, I ventured into the realm of gritty aesthetics. Prompting NightCafe's engine with the grittiest keywords to generate mid-century charcoal drawing, I selected images that perfectly captured the industrial essence I envisioned for "Smokescape."
The Transfer Alchemy: From Print to Clay
Transferring these images onto dry clay required a delicate process. “Photo lithography”. Armed with a laser printer, I printed the selected images in reverse. It was crucial to ensure the ink had toner, as inkjet prints simply wouldn't do the trick. With the prints in hand, I embarked on the transformative journey of transferring them onto the clay canvas.
A Dance of Ink and Clay: The Night of Lithography
Drawing courage from my past experiments with a similar process, I decided to push the boundaries and apply this technique to clay. I mixed black Mason Stain with Linseed Oil to craft an ink. Then, I coated the image with Gum Arabic and rolled an inked-up brayer over it, and laid to image onto the clay. The result was a transfer of the image onto clay
The Gritty Textures: Corrugated Cardboard Chronicles
To add an extra layer of texture and depth to "Smokescape," I turned to the humble corrugated cardboard. Pressing it into the clay surface, I created patterns that emulated the rugged charm of an old tin roof. Carefully cutting the textured clay into sections, I assembled them to form the tapered top of the vase.
Bisque Fire and Beyond: From Clay to Ceramic
With the clay slabs connected and the textured elements in place, it was time to subject "Smokescape" to the transformative heat of the kiln. The bisque firing stage was essential to turn the clay into durable ceramic. However, the journey didn't end there.
Aged Beauty: Iron Wash and Underglaze Accents
To ensure the images fully bonded with the ceramic surface, a coat of clear glaze was carefully applied. To accentuate the industrial charm of "Smokescape" and give it an aged appearance, I applied an iron wash to the edges and top. This treatment added a weathered effect, as if the piece had stood the test of time. Subtle touches of green and yellow underglaze were carefully brushed on, mimicking the remnants of paint and further enhancing the overall visual allure of the piece. The final glaze firing fused the transferred images and glaze together, creating a harmonious union.
"Smokescape" is a marriage of artistic vision and industrial allure. This captivating ceramic creation transports you to a world where the grit and grandeur of early industry come to life. Each side of "Smokescape" tells a visual story story of a bygone era of forgotten factories and towering smokestacks.