Research: Ikuko Iwamoto

Ikuko Iwamoto 

"Winner of the 2019 Young Masters Maylis Grand Ceramics Prize hosted by gallerist Cynthia Corbett."

Ikuko Iwamoto is a Japanese painter that is based in London. She creates "tabletop pieces and sculptures" out of porcelain. I was immediately drawn to her work. It is very unique; yet has elements of simplicity. 

She uses the slip casting technique:

"Her typical work involves using a slip-casting technique, which process includes plaster model and mold making to create a hollow body, and spikes and piled-up dots are often obsessively attached to create tension, fragility and flows".

She is inspired by cells and microorganisms. I find her inspiration of science to be so unique. It is elegant; yet interesting and beautiful.

Slip Casting Video:

Sources:  https://www.ikuko.space/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZzOTX9Ihqs

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/IKUKOIwamoto

If you look at her esty shop, you will find a video of her applying the dots. 

Studio Work 11/24

 

I have started loading my work on to the carts! I still have 3 items that are wet. When they are dry, I will do a bisque firing. After that, I will get all of my pieces glazed. It is sad that I have to stop creating new pieces. I am going to miss it! 

Research 11/20

 

This video shows how to make a tumbler on the wheel. She speaks of the different types of designs you could use to create an interesting contour on the tumbler. I think that a set of tumblers would make a great holiday gift for any tea or wine lover. I may be able to quickly throw a few. However, I am getting to a point in the semester where I need to wrap up my work. 

It is very sad that this is my final ceramics course. I would love to continue practicing after this class and after graduation. I am not sure how to do so without access to a studio. If you have any suggestions, let me know! 

Studio Work 11/17

 

 Hand built hand warming mugs and ramekins. 

Studio Work 11/13

 

I have decided to take a short break from the wheel and focus on my handbuilding skills. 

Kiln Unloading

 

Handbuilt Ramekin

 

I found this video (from the same woman that made the handbuilt mug video). I think that these are very adorable ramekins. We typically use ramekins for holding fresh fruit, chives, or toppings for dinner. I think that making a set of ramekins would be a wonderful addition to our kitchen. We can get rid of all the ramekins that we have that do not match! I am very excited to start these. It very similar to the slab built mug process. 

Studio Work 11/10

Today I started a glaze firing of some of my pieces. I also was able to glaze about 14 pieces that would not fit into the kiln. I have these resting on a shelf. I also hand built four mugs. 

Handwarming Mugs Research

 

I have always loved the idea of handwarming mugs. I think that they make such thoughtful and cozy gifts. I have done a lot of research on them. Typically, people throw the mug, cut a slit in the mug, and add a slab to the inside. However, I have always thought this was a little messy looking. I found a video where there is no cutting involved. A slab is added to the outside instead. I can not wait to try this. It is just in time for the holidays!

Mug Set Glazing Inspiration

 This week I wanted to focus on ways that I can glaze my mug sets to make them look more unified. Below were some ideas that I thought looked very nice. I would like to incorporate them into the next set that I make. 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/497436721339605689/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1055599901222272/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/337910778299496164/

I am curious how these mugs are speckled. Perhaps splattering paint with a paintbrush or toothbrush? I think black on top of the pretty pale green would look nice.

This could be a very cool carved design to use on a hand built mug. This way the slab could be carved into, then it would be assembled. I may begin a set like this next week. 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/474496510746976342/

Studio Work 11/3

 

Here is my glazed work. Unfortunately, I could only glaze some work as I have no where to put it. I need to reserve a time to use the kiln so I am able to free up room on my shelves. However, I need you to be available that day for a blue jeans call as I do not know how to do a glaze firing.