Paul Briggs

Alfred, NY

Pinch-forming is the entry-level process to introduce novices to ceramics. My windflowers are made using the traditional pinch-forming method of expanding a vessel from one piece of clay. I have hyper-developed the method as the forms are pinch-formed and the high relief surface design is likewise created by pinching. At 10 inches tall they move pinch pots far beyond the usual 3 – 4 inch bowl threshold. The body of the vessel is pinched out from one chunk of clay, sometimes a flat or dome shape base is added. The pinch-form work draws very much on outer natural phenomena yet also facilitates the development of a mindful existence.

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