Textured Mugs

The latest project in the studio is a group of textured mugs. These are hand built using clay slabs and textured rolling pins. I designed these unique rolling pins to reflect the the objects associated with my work. You will find mermaids, flamingos, alligators, oranges, and the state of Florida on some of the mugs. Other mugs have seashells or alligators (lots and lots of gators). 

Here is a brief idea of the process. First I roll out clay slabs. This is followed by adding texture using a rolling pin.

Once all the texture has been added, I used a template cut out the mug. I try to position the template to get the best images on the main body of the mug. 

The slabs are joined together and then added to a circle of clay to form the bottom. They are put aside ti stiffen up while I make the handles. In pottery terms, I "pull" the handles by stretching the clay. Since they are wet, I lay them over a rolling pin to add a curve to the handle.

After a few hours, the handles are trimmed and added to the mugs. 

Now comes the slow drying process before they get fired in the kiln.