Brief 8: Ceramic Processes - Conclusion of Research

The practical focus within my research project has been invaluable in holistically understanding the basis of  ceramic processes, one on one tuition and self directed teaching aid the context of my study to fully immerse myself and appreciate the skill and quality of these processes in a way that secondary research could not begin to compensate for. Each process is truly unique and is appropriate in differing context and for ranging purposes. 

Hand thrown forms was by far the most difficult process to grasp taking years to perfect skills within this technique. Slab forming is effective in creating beautifully bespoke results however its time consuming process and limited forms makes this processes relatively simplistic. Split casting is the quickest, easiest, and most commercial process I explored however the high set up costs make this more appropriate for a commercial process whose priority is price and uniformity. Learning about the glazing process allows each form to be finished appropriately with a range of tile samples created to explore the oxidation process and how this can effect the glazing process. Finally exploring innovative matierlas gave me total creative freedom, following the design process from creating a custom form and devleooign this into a final outcome. The use of jesmonite is approaptely commercial with the use of pigments allows a diverse range of outcomes to develop that feels contextually approately to the context of the research proposal which is to explore ceramic processes inspired by contemporary ceramic forms. This innovatively explores these processes and takes the techniques developed into creating an innovative product that is commercially and contextually appropriate to todays culture, removing the stigma of contemporary ceramics being traditional and outdated. 

I have thornily enjoyed the process of the research project and have learnt a range of new skills, have become increasingly more interested in a practice I had no idea about before starting this brief and have had the opportunity to develop time management, communication, and self directed teaching skills that will aid my growing professional practice.