Organic Forms (Project 1)

Project Scope:

Build a sculptural coil built earthenware piece originating from an organic object and transformed though the use of a formal issue provided (see below) in both form and surface. The piece should not exceed 12” inches in height or be more than ½ inch in thickness.

Cactus Ideas:

The cactus form speaks to me in it's innate radial symmetry.  The lobes revolve around the cactus' center point, each roughly identical, but curving to support the overall shape of the cactus in their subtly unique ways.  This creates a repetition of form, but also a visual interest in viewing where the patterns are stretched, stressed, and broken.  The vegetable anatomy reminds us of foods like gourds, fruits, and peppers as well as water in the wilderness, yet the spines create a sense of immediate danger.  This conflicting attraction/repulsion is another aspect of the cactus that I would like to capture.  

What interests me most is jumping from that concept of radially symmetric cactus lobes, and having them behave in unfamiliar ways.  The concept that jumps out to me the most is the idea of the lobes peeling open like a banana, or revealing a different sort of color beneath.  I'm not sure what the limitations of the clay coils would be in regard to achieving these forms.  

Textures:

I also like the idea of not only trying to replicate the geometric patterns of cactus quills, but also pushing other patterns from similar forms in, like those found on watermelons or cantaloupe.

  

Trilobites ideas:

A second inspiration that I've been inspecting are the rhythmic armor plates of the prehistoric trilobite. On the surface we see the plates, legs, and invertebrate anatomy that remind us of giant bugs or spiders, drawing up a sort of horrific atmosphere.  However, these animals are so ancient, they sort of predate this narrative, there's a sort of alien quality to the creatures that feels like it could have come from another planet.  The main visual quality are the way the plates interlock, and the three lobes that run the length of their bodies.  

Attempting to not just depict a trilobite itself, I've tried to isolate aspects of their form that interests me, maintaining their rhythmic plating.  I've tried to add some gestural motion as the form runs through vertical space, and toyed with the plates interlocking towards the floor or opening skyward.  I would have to consider how viable it would be to form these undulating surfaces with coils.