Meanwhile, Back in the Studio

I finally had time and...I dunno, bandwidth, I guess, to get back in the studio and work on this basket.  I had originally thought that it would be covered in a slip-trailed design, but I am having second thoughts about that. Despite my usual approach - "More is more" - in this case maybe not. Maybe the the pot is done, at this stage. This way leaves something for the glaze to do.

Or maybe just a leeeeeeetle more decoration...maybe on the handle? 

What do you think? Slip-trail? Or not?

Whoa, Curve Ball!

Bustier baskets are some of the higher-end, more labor intensive pieces I can work on in the bleak mid-winter, when no one is waiting on orders. I like the baskets, they are fun and somewhat figurative without being overly literal. Here's a typical bustier basket from last year.:

I threw some larger items yesterday, and started the altering and decorating this afternoon. I was a little dissatisfied with the one I'm currently working on - thought it was blocky and ungraceful -  but I also know the ones you don't love are great chances to try new things- you already don't like it, right? Nothing to lose. Here's how it looked right off the wheel:

I started by cutting the overly-wide rim. Then bending it, then cutting a dart from the waist to interrupt the symmetry that was reading so static and dead.  Then I stretched the bottom a bit...and it started to be something I'd never envisioned:

Still needs lots of work, of course: a handle, some sprigs, and hours of slip trailing. But I am delighted with its transformation, and the way that clay can still surprise me.