This year my theme in ceramics is contrast and color blocking.  The reason I chose this theme was because unlike other years I chose to keep my projects simple in form and glazing. The contrast comes from using different color combinations, some that might not go together, and using lightly colored glazes, such as yellow and darker glazes like burnt orange.

This theme can be seen in almost all my projects, starting with my tall project. This project has grooves carved into the sides, which have been glazes with clear and black for the outside. Other projects, such as my salsa tray, orb, plate and transformed lip projects have been dipped to have different sections of glazing, creating color blocking and color contrast. Other projects have contrast by glazing the outside one color and the inside another. These projects are my pitcher, large bowl and jar.

Creating this affect is really simple. All you have to do for color blocking is dip the projects in different glazes to create different sections of colors. Contrast can be done in the same way and it can be done by glazing the outside one color, usually a lightly colored glaze, and the inside another.

I have chosen to glaze my projects this way because in years past I have made my projects really complicated, which is a lot of fun, but I wanted projects that could be placed anywhere in my house and still makes sense. It also allows me more time to throw and try new things on the wheel because I’m not spending a lot of time with glazing.

This has been an amazing class. I enjoy coming everyday and I’m glad I was able to fit one more semester of ceramics before I graduate. 

I Theme
Color Block/Contrast 
By using a light and dark glaze, highlighting different areas of projects, adds depth to projects.
II What

Pitcher and bowl; each are glazed with a lighter color on the outside. Other projects have been dipped and layered creating new colors and textures. 
III How 
It's really simple. Dip on side and then the other. Or glaze the inside then the outside. Only thing that you have to be certain about is that the glaze doesn't run. 
IV Why 
In years past I have made really complicated projects and glazes. This year I chose to keep things simple. I have found that the projects are easier to place around my house. I have also been inspired by fashion, which has been a lot of color blocking. 
V Conclusion
I am happy with my choice to make my glazes a little bit simpler. I'm glade to have had new glaze colors to experiment with, one of them being burnt orange. 

Another common glazing technique I have seen is in my projects is using darker glazes for the inside of projects creating depth and creating the illusion that my projects are either larger or smaller than they appear. 

My theme is color blocking and contrast