Reimagined History
This piece was inspired by historical clay pieces reimagined to make something new. I was inspired by tripods, vases, and the Rococo period. T
Created March-April 2025
Inspiration
#Name: Tripod
Place: Peru
Medium: ceramic
Measurements: 2 1/2 x 2 3/4in. (6.4 x 7cm)
Classification: Ceramic
Department: Indigenous American Art
Credit Line: Museum Purchase
Accession No: 1883.859
Location: Cincinnati Art Museum
Name: Bottle
Place: Peru
Medium: ceramic
Measurements: 8 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (21.6 x 16.5 cm), neck 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 in. (5.7 x 5.7 cm), Diam. (base) 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
Classification: Vessels
Department: Native American Art
Credit Line: Gift of Grace S. Groesbeck
Accession No: 1940.1140
Location: Cincinnati Art Museum
Name: Teapot
Date: 19th Century
Place: Japan
Medium: ceramic
Measurements: 3 x 3 in. (7.6 x 7.6cm)
Classification: Vessels
Department: East Asian Art
Credit Line: Gift of the Rookwood Pottery
Accession No: 1898.262
Location: Cincinnati Art Museum
Jean-Honoré Fragonard - The Swing (1767)
Ideation
This project had a 16-inch requirement either vertical or horizontal. I did not need something big. My last project, Davy Jones, is 13in x 16in x 17in and he sits around the house like a massive elf on the shelf.
I began thinking of functions and environments this object could live. Whether outside, gifted, or easy to tuck away. I then realized a way to make a vase that splits in half to be two separate functional pieces. One being a tripod and the other a chalice. Stacked together, they are 16 inches tall with a cohesive design. Apart they are two partnering pieces that are more easily stored.
Making the Bases
I constructed the tripod by using a coiling method. I made it upside down so that I made a dome shape. I then flipped it over so and placed sponges underneath so that I could attach legs underneath. I accidentally made four legs instead of three. It is now a quadpod.
The chalice was also made with coils and then flipped to add the stem of the chalice. It was then carved to be a simple representation of flower stems.
Adding Flowers
I added flowers and stems by rolling logs and spheres of clay. Then pressing and scoring and slipping the details on. This was fun for about ten minutes—but I love how it came out!
Slip and Bisque
Poured white slip and bisqued
