Mud Dreaming

The other morning, I woke up from a dream of a pot; kind of a low, diamond-shaped pot, one I've never made before. The image was pretty clear, down to the rim and handle details. I immediately did a sketch of it, so it wouldn't slip away the way dreams do. The obtuse corners were rounder than they would be it I'd cut and reassemble the sides, but sharper than if I'd just squared off from the inside with a fingertip. I had an inkling how to go about this, and I made the first one with my class on Tuesday. The shape still held some fascination for me, so yesterday, back in my studio, I set about refining it. Here's how it went:

First, I threw a bottomless ring. I started with three pounds of clay, which made a ring about the diameter of the wheelhead. 

While the ring was still on the bat, I cut it in half. I then folded the halves to mark the center.  

Using a trimming tool, I cut a small notch out of the inner side of the ring, at the center point.

I bent the piece along the notch, making an obtuse corner.

I threw a flat pattie of clay, with a deep finger spiral, and then stretched it into an oval, and cut the oval into a diamond which would match the bottom of the walls.

After the appropriate scratching and slurrying, I paddle the bottom to help secure the joint.

The handles are pulled and then rolled into spirals.

One of my students asked me,"What would you use it for?" Actually, I don't know. Some shapes just want to be made. Sweet dream, baby.