Research

Conclusion

Ram pressed plate with plotter-cut broccoli pattern stencil.

Detail of slide

Ram pressed plate with runner bean plotter-cut stencils.

Ram pressed plate with celery plotter-cut stencils.

Detail of ram pressed plate with 'direct release' enamel colour from plotter cut stencils of runner bean stars pattern.

Six ram pressed plates.

I set out to identify and work with industrial technologies for tableware production which would enable an exploration of a crossover, or interface between industrial and hand made tableware.

I am hoping to combine the individuality, freshness and attention to detail possible with hand made tableware, with the making possibilities and efficiencies of industrially produced wares. My strategy for achieving this is to make individual interventions during the making of what would otherwise be identical pieces.

This is a process of trial and error, with each step being recorded and evaluated which then informs the planning of the next set of investigations. This rational approach is balanced by giving equal importance to intuitive working practice, thereby allowing the sense of fun and curiosity generated by this new work to produce the unexpected.

I will continue to make a wide range of wheel thrown and turned tableware, with the ram press being used predominantly to make non-circular dinner plates and other flatwares.

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