When I embarked on my mini vase project, my goal was clear: to create ten miniature vases. I specifically chose this project as a way to push my creativity beyond the norm, challenging myself to think outside the box by crafting smaller versions of vases. Working with smaller forms, however, proved more challenging than anticipated. I had to adjust how I handled my tools and position my hands, making the process more delicate and requiring greater precision.
One of my main objectives was to experiment with glaze techniques that reflect the vibrant, fluid, and marble-like patterns from my abstract resin paintings. By transferring this aesthetic into ceramics, I hoped to marry my painting style with my pottery work in a fresh, exciting way.
To bring this project to life, I spent a few months exploring creative platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, searching for unique vase shapes and glaze combinations. However, while inspiration was drawn from these sources, I always aimed to bring my own twist to the designs, allowing intuition to guide the creation of vases that were distinctly mine
What fascinated me throughout this project was the wide variety of forms I ended up creating. There were some mishaps along the way — like using too much clay, leading to a vase that wasn’t as “mini” as I had intended. However, with each attempt, I adjusted, reducing the amount of clay until I successfully created the smaller forms I envisioned.
Glazing, too, was an experiment filled with surprises. The special glazes I worked with change depending on the firing temperature, which means the final colours are never guaranteed. For example, a glaze fired at cone 6 can look completely different when fired at cone 10, creating an element of suspense in the process. It felt like painting without fully knowing the final result — a bit terrifying, yet incredibly intriguing.
One pro technique I used was layering glazes. I applied two layers of one glaze and then added a single layer of another. This technique gave the pieces a stunning marble-like, flowy effect that tied into my abstract art style beautifully.
In the end, I only managed to create five mini vases instead of the original goal of ten. Time constraints played a role, but I also made a medium-sized vase, which I’ll save for another blog post. Despite this, I was thrilled with the results! The vibrant colours of my mini vases turned out beautifully, and though one matte brown vase didn’t meet my initial expectations, I still found satisfaction in pushing my creative boundaries. Even better, all five vases were nearly crack-free — a pottery enthusiast’s dream, given how difficult it can be to avoid cracks in smaller forms.
This project was a fantastic reminder that sometimes, the creative journey can be just as rewarding as the final product. Whether in the form of mishaps or unexpected successes, each step taught me something new about working with miniatures, glazes, and my artistic process.
Stay tuned for my next post where I’ll dive into the process of creating the medium-sized vase and more about the challenges of scaling up from miniature work!
0 comments on "Exploring Creativity in Miniature: My Mini Vase Project"