Making New Sculptural Pottery

[@bookshopesandwhatusedtobec9331]

I think the curved bottom Is a startling contrast to the stepped version which is why I’m so excited you did one. I think it would be so interesting to see that smooth round exterior deepened like the convex design you use for your pots.

[@eliiiza6761]

love the curved underside, it contrasts beautifully the design reminds me of greek open air theatres, really drives home the artistic, decorative aspect

[@ragnkja]

Yeah, it definitely looks like an amphitheatre.

[@graefx]

Echoing the amphitheater impression.

I really like the contrast between the curve on one side and the steps on the other. You rarely make non-functional items, and it’s very nice to see purely artistic experiments! Thank you for the time you spend making all those videos!

[@Havreflan]

I like the one with a hole. Makes it clear it's not an ashtray or candle holder like you said. It's also not something I'd expect from a turned piece of pottery. I also prefer the unstepped version. Makes it clear there's an up and a down.

[@MelissaStokes-h9d]

i would love to see a cross section of each. i just think it would be really informative seeing where the clay is thicker and thinner. especially with the stepped bottom

[@hasturthekinginyellow5003]

I kinda love how every artist has a moment where they ask themselves "what if i do a piece that is INCREDIBLY difficult/time consuming?" and then they do it

[@jacobbrown5659]

Love the jazzy edition, I’ll say as a flower enthusiast, I’d love to see these as ikebana vessels

[@Ladyalyssaesq]

I enjoy seeing something created that’s not a bowl or mug! Well done!

[@Duappe]

Can see these being lotus flower pots! Would be pretty! I think the curved one on the backside has a really nice contrast too, very well done!

[@nikkiewhite476]

I think the curved bottom one is much more startling and striking. The contrast is very aesthetic. It is good to see you making more shapes, functional or not. It is good to have the basic pieces you can make in your sleep but you risk burning out of that is all you make. I could see this style being used as just an art piece or it could be used as a trinket bowl, a key holder or even a display place for jewelry. 😊

[@Attoparsec]

If it makes you feel better, even turning horizontally, chip management is still a huge issue when working on a metal lathe. At least clay trimmings can't cut you!

[@subcatboy]

I liked the idea of a stepped underside, but after seeing how you did the curved one I think I prefer it. I also really like the one with the hole.

[@annoyingkid48]

I really like the stepped interior myself. They make me think of miniature versions of some sort of ancient architecture, built from massive stones where you’re not quite sure how they put it all together. Maybe an arena, with the underside a space for ancient athletes to prepare themselves. I get why people like the curved version, but the symmetry of both outside and in is a little feat of carving skill- not going quite too far, just far enough to match the exterior.

[@BeLite845]

I love the juxtaposition of the curved bottom. It feels like an inversion of what I’m used to seeing in your pieces, where the sharp angles and planes are moved to the interior of the piece. Have you considered making a form where the curve is visible by not including the straight side? I wonder if any chemists saw these and immediately thought of the Buchi branded stepped rings for holding flasks? These are absolutely beautiful pieces and make me want to spend more time looking at the objects I interact with on a daily basis.

[@jocewaitwhat]

I saw your post on instagram about this and was SHOCKED. Amazing design and execution as always.

[@astralax]

+

[@roeted]

Very cool looking new forms. I think the curved bottom is my favorite. The juxtaposition of the curve to the steps on the top is lovely. The stepped bottom is very lovely too though. Inspiring as always!

[@milesw3001]

I like both the stepped and the curved bottom, and I think you should leave the underside of both unglazed. It’ll give you an opportunity to show off that delightful toasted color your clay turns.

[@Panicagq2]

Ooh! Or maybe just glaze the sides of the steps w/a brush and leave the flat surfaces bare?

[@Praxaeus]

In wood turning, when I make bowls, I turn them green, seal them, weigh them and mark it on a piece of card and put it on the shelf with the bowl. For my area, when the bowl weighs about 35% of the starting weight and has generally stabilized, I can trim it. I think a similar method with a target %difference could be a way to handle production more consistently.

[@jessine]

Thrilled to see them glazed!!! They're wonderful!

[@dougbaker2120]

Stepped bottom, please. ;). And definitely don't glaze the bottoms. That being said, if you did glaze them, they could be dual-form shapes, with either side being the one people choose to display. That's why I like the stepped bottom. I find it just as pleasing as the intended top.

[@hannahstraining7476]

It's great that you are branching out into sculptural work. I love the rounded foot. It does provide a sharp contrast, and it's more of a visual puzzle. And the piece is beautiful on both sides. The pieces that have the stepped underside make me think of cogs, or some type of machine part. Not necessarily a bad thing, but a very different look than the rounded underside.

[@reidcushman3562]

I vote for the rounded bottom. The contrast with the stair-step of the primary side is so elegant. (One could argue about which beautiful side most deserves to be the "up" one.) Aside from seeing you create a really interesting set of pieces, I particularly enjoyed and learned from watching your trimming steps. I am one of those potters who really likes trimming, though at a very beginning level now.

[@Lunarl4ndr]

I think these are glorious and I love the idea of breaking glazes on them, like a tiny glass fountain. If you did wish to throw this form you could form it like a pillow bowl is usually thrown. Just close up an upside-down thick walled blown and then lift a outer wall. You could even roll the edge of the outer wall to build up that extra thickness with less trimming. Go even further and fold the wall to form a bowl on the bottom of the other bowl, kind of a funky donut.

[@jakicatancabelic9436]

Amazing! It fits your esthetics. I prefer the rounded version and the small pots.

[@astoriarosewood5135]

Really enjoy seeing your new ideas! 😊

[@neyann]

I LOVE the stepped foot one. I'm constantly blown away by your skills. With every video you post, I learn something new.

[@alexandraframe6493]

Love the excitement making new shapes. I really like them, the steps are nice. Now the different interior bottoms of the first two, I like them both a lot. The one with steps interior I’d definitely more interesting. Give it a real pop, surprise.

[@MichaelKieweg]

Never having done anything with clay in my life, if I have to choose one, it is with no doubt the one with the rounded bottom. I realy like that kind of "surprise" in a piece. Best wishes from Germany

[@luna01010202]

I like the Curved bottom. It hits a button in my brain.

[@Siriuslyyy]

Wow so good!! Many congratulations on being creative and developing your skill so much. Loved it in all 4 forms!

[@amberlynolsen7305]

I love the curved step! What a brilliant idea!

[@justlola417]

This is beautiful, I love the contrast of the steps on the inside with the curved underside

[@theanimenerdball9219]

I enjoy the curved bottom more than the stepped one as it does give more contrast, it also visually helps to make the object feel lighter. The music in the background was also very welcome, It paired with the trimming was very pleasing to hear!

[@Pinkpeonysss]

They are all lovely! Every time you’d display one of the four I’d think “oh THAT’S the winner, for sure!”….”no wait, this one is the winner it’s also very good.” By the end of the video I was vouching for all four😂 If I had to choose one over the others though, it would be the curved bottom. There’s something appealing about the balance described in its weight distribution, and how well that idea pairs with the steps vs. curve aesthetic on each flip side of the vessel.

[@rogerthecatodino2185]

Ciao Florian I really like these sculptures made on the wheel. The smallest is the one I prefer,also the way U trimmed it under. They all make me think at the Colosseo! Thank you for for sharing your skills!thank you

[@britoronto6628]

Love the curved foot to contast with the sharp steps--I prefer the unexpectedness of the contrast rather than having matched surfaces. i can see these alongside a series of useful wider vessels with fewer but larger steps to use for say dumplings with a pool of dipping sauce at the bottom etc. lovely.

[@johnaustin-bailey9678]

I'm a wood turner and so massively appreciate the battle between functionality and aesthetics. I think the curved base adds interest and curiosity. If stepping the base, I think it would need to be a mirror of the top. Great shapes though. Looking forward to seeing them glazed.

[@mikepetersen7319]

I like them all, but the one with the curved bottom is my favorite. Excited to see how they look when glazed 👍

[@laurabedwell7253]

I really like the one with the rounded underside-the contrast adds another dimension that I found really pleasing.

[@theclovercross]

Loving the design and I think the glazing is gonna look sooo good giving a wonderful depth with how it pools and thins in corners and edges

[@ArtemensiaK]

Yes! I knew you would carve the underside smooth. It's like a reverse bowl. I love it so much!

[@IrinaGreenman]

My immediate thought is that these work best as a set. I like each one better with the accompanying context/contrast of the others than I do individually (and don't get me wrong, they're all lovely and interesting that way too). I could see these all together as being a centerpiece to the decor of an entire room, depending on glaze colors and styles.

[@jommeissner]

They are all brilliant. I like the contrast most, that with the rounded underside

[@rosalieroyen7182]

Love these new shapes you are making. I can easily imagine them being a vessel on which a lovely little appetiser would be served in a fine dining restaurant ❤ I think I like the one that also has steps on the bottom best. AlthoughI like the other ones too

[@benruniko]

You know, this is a beautiful display piece. I could see an ancient artist depicting scenes from a myth painted into the little steps, or possibly even a modern motion animation that only shows its clever nature when spun. I love the curved underside. I think this idea could possibly be used as a decorative pot lid as well, making a unit that is both functional and beautiful.

[@AlanDayley]

Nice concept for beauty over function! I like the contrast of the rounded bottom. I viscerally (or naturally) like the stepped bottom more. I also love the idea of handling one of these pots from time to time. I'd have to pick it up once in a while to enjoy the "secret" under side.

[@isabelasensioandres]

So so well explained and presented ❤ Exceptional sculptures, by the way. Which I like more is 11:29 and 11:44 { so.. the second one and the ring version } Such perfection and risk🟫🟤🤎🕊️Thank you!

[@Mandrake_root]

I like the stepped bottoms. It gives the feeling that the bottom and top are connected

[@xbaczewska4197]

What a journey, Florian! I love this purely aesthetic delve. I have to agree with the curved-bottom-lovers. To me, that rounded shape is the icing on the cake to the beautifully severe steps. Keep on keepin' on!

[@AngelavengerL]

Really excited to see what these will look like glazed.

[@rath60]

I like the curve bottom. I think I would also like a cylinder, In the piece with the accidentar hole the steps look best as know there is no clear inside and outside.

[@Stilgarnaibfremen]

Beautiful as always! I really like the one with the most steps, but I agree with others that the rounded bottom adds contrast and more "semantics" to the piece. The one with the hole is surprising! And it reminded me of the ending scene of Agora (2009 film). These seemingly simple shapes, circles and square faces, are timeless and the basis for so much geometric concepts/abstractions... I love them! Cheers

[@Dave_1966]

Very nice 😊 I think I would be tempted to make a pair one interlocking with the other, I think the stepped underside looks better, the accidental one would be a great T light holder 😊

[@chloeuntrau4588]

Love the step foot!

[@Alan-jx7uk]

As I watched you make the sculpture you mentioned you would relive the underside and my brain immediately went to, you would make the underside stepped also. So when you didn't I was like well that wasn't what I expected. And then when you showed the other pieces I thought huh! the curved underside is correct. Of course everyone is going to have a different opinion, but I am pleased with all of the pieces. I would have a hard time deciding which one I would like to own. Thanks for sharing

[@CaroleMatheson]

Thank you Florian. I really like the rounded underside.

[@jocewaitwhat]

While probably more work, the stepped foot is just so amazing it can’t not be my favourite

[@kath2142]

These are very cool! Can't wait to see them glazed.

[@almac808]

I think I like the accidental hole one most, it would look really cool stood on it's side showing off the steps

[@justlola417]

Ohhhh the stepped foot is so cool too!!

[@ceciliasofficialyoutubechannel]

So sleeeeek and satisfying. I think it would be epic to see the same idea, but with a higher wall, with two different angles as well like your other vessels / pieces. Loving this so much from australia. I've been watching your videos every week they come out and been doing weekly pottery lessons the last year and a half on the wheel. You have taught me SO MUCH. I am very keen to try something like this soooon. Thank you Florian 💕💕💕

[@TobyHorak]

The curved version is definitely my favorite of the bottoms, but I'm surprised how much I actually like the one with the hole in the center. It may be less functional, but I find it interesting to imagine how one could make use of it!

[@alexandermcclure6185]

The music is very nice- I don't mind hearing it in the background! I also appreciate the curved base- very fine!

[@denisenoble4010]

I think they are beautiful, while you were trimming I thought I liked the rounded underside, however when you were showing the stepped underside, I liked that too. I know you asked us to choose, but I can't, even the one with the 'hole' was beautiful in its own way. To use purely for display or as bookends the would look great, I can't wait to see how you glaze them, till then, thankyou for shar😊

[@danielt4449]

I liked all of them but the stepped top and bottom one I think I liked the best. on a side note it would be interesting if it were posible to dry and fire one of the long spirals you created when you trimmed but they would be too fragile I suppose . great work so beautiful.

[@learningmywheel-us1nd]

Such perfect forms, thank you for sharing.

[@seamseams]

Oh I like the look! Amazing work as always

[@ArtemisNightlock]

I think I prefer the one you turned in the video over the rest of them, in particular because of the contrast between the sharp angled steps in the top section and the rounded smoothness at the bottom. I think only glazing the top and leaving the bottom curve unglazed could enhance that contrast even further, especially with the lovely toasted browns of your clay body after firing.

[@renedemers8218]

I like the Curved bottom and the visual of the hole - having one with a hole and one side curved feels like it would be a delightful sculpture, though it would be also be neat if there was some way to stably display such an object so it's not resting on the flat of cylinder, but rather on the curved side - though I suspect some sort of base would be needed to accomplish that.

[@ellaa5528]

The music in the background is so nice! How lucky you are it’s not drums and screaming 😅 Also I love the one with the hole in it, I would hang it on my wall

[@jamiejam4823]

The one with a hole through it would make a great piece to put on a shelf and display trinkets on, like a little portal thing

[@dianekroplin-pt4nm]

Outstanding design and technique.

[@powersfamilyctr]

I like all Of them!

[@Kuchen.]

Love these

[@lucasmerino4982]

I love this new concept!

[@Inkwellington]

That was so beautiful! I love them!

[@atiladhun]

When you turned the shape with the hole around, I thought that it looked quite beautiful facing upside down. It would also be interesting if these shapes could be placed in either orientation, perhaps on one side having the border circumference unglazed, while on the other having the center unglazed.

[@juanQuedo]

Like all of them but I think that the one with its back rounded is the winner, I would have gone full...well, half sphere on the back, without the flat plane to make it more contrasting to the angular top and in some way it would match with your new bowls rounded inside more angular outside.

[@Lovelightlifer]

Can we please please pretty please have more trimming videos. I could watch you trim for hours. It is so relaxing. Asmr is fine. No speed ups just ribbons of clay curling from the pot. Lovely. Thank you in advance.

[@ethnicalbert]

Really beautiful ashtrays. Well Done x

[@Zeldur]

I like that the underside is so heavily carved. Makes it feel like you could use either side

[@lizzyrbits1283]

These are so delightful! I love the curved underside, like others said, it's surprising! And felt like good balance (less as above so below?) I assume you will sell at least some of these pieces in your next drop? Looking forward to the glazes!

[@RichardBiggind]

That's a nice looking set of ashtrays you got there.

[@gabrielamajewska9251]

Somehow i imagined your sculptures as holders for different sized small round canvases. I like painitng on such things, small, round, but I can never find a way how to stabilize them a little bit above the desk to not make it dirty. When i watched it with my mum she got na idea that it could also work as a candle holder. We both love your work, take care.

[@Panicagq2]

I love them all of them, but I'm anxiously waiting to see how the glaze responds. I keep leaning toward the stepped foot, but we shall see!

[@tylerttinsley]

When doing so much trimming maybe setting up a compressed air blower to blow out chips would be helpful? Something like the articulated hoses used for coolant on machine tools

[@wartris1]

I love seeing your artistic voice come out in less-functional works. very cool!

[@maxgarber9934]

Is there a a reason you threw a solid puck instead of roughly opening the center so there is less material to dry/trim away? ie start with something with a ‘M’ shaped cross section.

[@chubs2312]

I like the stepped bottom

[@orbatos]

I prefer the curved underside, Though the one with the hole looks more utilitarian with it.

[@azteclady]

I prefer the rounded foot myself, because it's unexpected, given the sharp geometry of the top.

[@seanthompson6720]

inverted DEVO hats

[@Romaobb]

The steps make me think of a water fountain, you could probably translate the design into something like a small water fountain thing if you wanted to

[@arroe_fly9157]

I can't lie I don't like the round bottom but I get the point of contrast but it doesn't feel like it fits with your other work. I would take the softer stepped/angled shape of the outside of some of your other pots, giving it some curve but a step or two for edge. Idk I love the little hole one very cool!

[@whazee]

I quite like the curved bottom of this thrown pot, but your other, smaller versions look great with the stepped underside too! Maybe the glazing will inform better?

[@Pathfinder2]

I think they are beautiful. And I like the contrast of the rounded underside. They would also make very cool ikibana vases. I also want to know if there's an adjacent studio where I can work on my quilts and listen to your wheel and jazz practice.

[@micah06v8]

I definitely think using these is sculpture/accent pieces rather than readily available pieces is the way to go. I also much prefer the curved bottom to the stepped one. I'm not sure why, but the stepped bottom piece almost reminds me of an M.C. Escher drawing 🤣

[@louija3625]

id love that ashtray

[@luna691582]

Gorgeous. I'd love to see more how you accomplished the balanced trimming front to back. I could envision doing one side and quickly making a disaster of the other. You mentioned stopping and checking as you went... were you feeling to see that the clay was balanced between your fingers (say, holding it on both sides)?

[@asons13]

Guess I'm early. Love the videos thanks!