the FORM & FUNCTION
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
What is form and function & why are they important to consider when making pottery?
What is form and function & why are they important to consider when making pottery?
What motivates you to make functional pottery and what it is that will make your pottery successful? And be sure to sit down and really think about WHAT you are making, WHY you make what you make, HOW you will make what you make and to REFLECT & EVALUATE your work for the future.
FORM AND FUNCTION: As the name implies, something that is functional is meant to be used. Functional pottery is made for people to use and many potters feel that the pot isn’t complete until it is physically used for its job. But the meaning of function in relation to handmade pottery goes well beyond mere utilitarianism. If it is to be functional and do its job, it should be efficient, easy to use, comfortable in the hands, and give pleasure to the user at the same time. But those who make handmade functional pottery do so not simply to produce objects that enable people to perform various tasks. One should not only consider how it is to be used and what parts of the human anatomy will be in contact with it for optimum satisfaction on all counts, but also the thought, time and care put into making these useful objects with the hopes that the users will also connect with them beyond their intended utilitarian purpose. At least that’s what craftsman strive for. Perhaps your reasons are different. Judging by a large volume of pottery that one finds in the marketplaces and stores, a great number of potters and pottery manufacturers seldom consider the anatomy of the user when making their wares. |
1. Are the top rims and the edges of the handles sharp to the touch?
2. Is the curvature at the top of a drinking vessel suitable for drinking from? Does it curve in or out, or is it straight up? (For optimum function, there should be a slight curve outward so that liquid flows easily from the vessel into the mouth and does not dribble.) 3. Is the shape and weight of the object suitable to be held or drunk from? 4. Does the handle have sufficient room for fingers? Handles should have room for average-sized fingers (granted, hands come in all shapes and sizes, but the thickness of the thickest part of the average fore finger is about 1 inch). If handles are too big, it will likely feel awkward and look awkward. 5. Does the handle fit the hand, or do the fingers have to conform to the handle? 6. Is the width of the mouth of a drinking vessel too large or too small? For comfortable drinking, the width of the mouth of a drinking vessel should be no more than the distance from the lips to the bridge of the nose 7. Does the shape of the pot need handles to fulfill its intended use? 8. Does the sound or texture of the surface aggravate the user? 9. Does the object as designed get too hot to hold? If your piece is designed for hot liquid, you might want to adjust the thickness of the walls, or attach a handle so that hands don’t get burnt. 10. Could it work better and be more comfortable to use than it is? |
Ceramic Fundamentals:
Potters Knowledge, Preparation, Practice 1. WHICH HANDBUILDING METHOD(s)? 2. WHICH SURFACE DECORATION(S)? 3. WHICH GLAZE(s) or APPLICATION(S)? |
DESIGN CHALLENGE: Create an inspirational piece of pottery by utilizing the learning of your new knowledge, skills, and techniques. Complete the Artistic Thinking Process (ATP) to develop a plan for your pottery piece.
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Before starting any piece it is important to have goals. Think of each piece as an experiment/ problem and you are trying to deliberately answer/ seek a solution through the artistic thinking process. Push yourself to discover and acquire new knowledge; show evidence of your learning in your pieces. Expansion of skills is shown in learning. Artistic Growth is the ultimate goal. How have you grown? |