Building a wet slab bonsai pot

[Gsquared]

Neat technique! I may have to save the next slab of packing styrofoam I get.

 

[sorce]

@ABCarve did you push the bump out on the bridge pot?

That made it for me.

Great pot.

Sorce

 

[Mike Hennigan]

Your process really does look like how a wood worker would approach pottery, fascinating.

 

[ABCarve]

@ABCarve did you push the bump out on the bridge pot?

That made it for me.

Great pot.

Sorce

I did...that's the nice thing about wet slabs...you can push them wherever you like. These pots were created from the plug beside them. The slabs give you a compressed, consistent wall thickness with minimal joints, but still very plastic.

 

[aarondl]

Really fantastic! I love your pots, it's all very inspiring. Thank you!

 

[markyscott]

One of my favorite threads - thanks for posting and keeping this updated!

scott

 

[penumbra]

Do you use a wet box to store the individual pieces in prior to assembly?

 

[ABCarve]

Do you use a wet box to store the individual pieces in prior to assembly?

I do sometime use a wet box, but not prior to assembly. There really isn't much to assemble. The slabs are used immediately after I roll them out. I'll use a wet box or garbage bag, depending on the size of the piece, to let the whole pots moisture homogenize, so it can dry more evenly. Large pots stay out for a few hours per day. That time is increased as the pot becomes firmer.

 

[ABCarve]

This is the last pot for the season. I’ll start doing surfaces once bisqued. I don’t think I’m going to put holes in it.

 

[ABCarve]

The purple haze. Can’t wait for spring!

 

[0soyoung]

Love the haze!!!
Now I know what Jimi was singin' about

 

[penumbra]

Now I know what Jimi was singin' about

Hendrix had a dream where he was literally lost in a purple haze that surrounded him. Jesus found him and led him out of it, thus "scuse me while I kiss the sky"

 

[ABCarve]

Some more fruits of labor.

 

[W3rk]

I’m experimenting with a new form. I like flaring sides but shadows obscure the surface under the flare. I’m hoping this is a solution.

I just wanted to say that I really like what you are doing here. It seems to me that you are taking some pretty traditional pot forms/styles and adding what feels like some more contemporary/modern elements. Looking really good.

Also as a pottery student (currently learning the wheel), who is really curious about hand construction techniques, I greatly appreciate seeing how you are working with these molds/forms. Thank you for all of the documentation, it's great to see. Previously I had only seen video of Japanese potters using large plaster molds.

 

[ABCarve]

Thanks. Glad you are enjoying it. I’m hoping someone can add more to the technique. Design wise.... I’ve always wondered what bonsai pots would’ve looked like if they had gone through all of the European/American Art movements.

 

[barrosinc]

Cool! I love your pots.
I look at this thread often when I do mine.

 

[ABCarve]

I just wanted to say that I really like what you are doing here. It seems to me that you are taking some pretty traditional pot forms/styles and adding what feels like some more contemporary/modern elements. Looking really good.

Also as a pottery student (currently learning the wheel), who is really curious about hand construction techniques, I greatly appreciate seeing how you are working with these molds/forms. Thank you for all of the documentation, it's great to see. Previously I had only seen video of Japanese potters using large plaster molds.[QUOTE/]
Thanks . Glad you are enjoying it. I’m hoping someone can add more to the technique. Design wise.... I’ve always wondered what bonsai pots would’ve looked like if they had gone through all of the European/American Art movemen

 

[0soyoung]

Maybe a bit of a thread bomb, but I've been a fan of this pot you made

and I think I just saw it in a Bjorn video with a tree in it.

Am I right or am I right??

 

[ABCarve]

Maybe a bit of a thread bomb, but I've been a fan of this pot you made

and I think I just saw it in a Bjorn video with a tree in it.

Am I right or am I right??

You are correct. It’s always nice to see my pots getting used.

 

[JoshuaRN]

I’d really like to stress that the art that gets over looked In this is in making the form, even using one just for 18”+ it’s surprising hard to get consistent foam lines and taper. Mr.abcarve (lol resisting calling you your normal name) makes
This look easy and even after venting to him still
Makes it sound easy lol. Truly unique and impressive method.