Summer Muggin’

Ceramics studio intern Meghan Hallock and volunteer Shannon O’Leary have been collaborating throughout the summer to create  new mugs for WSW. They began by throwing solid forms on the wheel and making molds for each of 3 original mug forms. Separate molds were made for the handles to allow for efficient casting and the possibility of mixing and matching! Meghan and Shannon worked diligently, casting and attaching daily to produce at least 10 of each form. The final count was 37 mugs!

The form and surface considerations were inspired by Meghan’s love of architecture and Shannon’s passion for interior design. We decided  that these 2 points of interest could combine to provide some exciting inspiration. Each of the 3 mug forms were assigned a specific design era, Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Victorian.

Shannon and Meghan casting some of their molds

Releasing fresh casts from plaster molds

Shannon applying surface decoration before the bisque firing

Layering played a big part in the surface decoration. The mugs went through a total of 4 firings! In the greenware state, colorful slips were applied to lay a foundation of basic shapes and motifs. After bisque, a slip-trailer was used to embellish the background with designs using different color glazes. A final layer of transparent glaze was applied, some with a different color inside. The last step was to apply decals after the glaze firing was finished. Meghan and Shannon took advantage of WSW’s amazing silkscreen studio to make their own decals!

Art Deco

Art Nouveau

Victorian

Victorian

The molds and mugs will live at WSW for the use of visiting artists, interns, staff and volunteers. Meghan and Shannon had a blast spending their summer on Binnewater Lane and look forward to a lasting collaborative relationship!