Description
I made Tattoo Sculptural Lantern from rolled stoneware slabs, using a template I designed. The finial is unique to each interpretation of this form. And each incarnation of this design results in a completely unique interpretation.
Pull the finial to retract a suspended refillable oil light. And be patient because the light is suspended deep in side the piece. It took me some thought to figure out how to hang a candle inside the form and make that candle accessible to light! I make a separate candle cup on a minimal base and place a hole in each corner of the vase. After the piece is fired, I use tie or bailing wire to connect the finial top to chain and then the chain to the base.
I took inspiration for the surface design from the costumes of the Swedish Ballet. My father gave me this book several years ago and I have poured through it many times in awe of the shapes and patterns it offers. I painted the surface of the piece with a kaolin slip that flashes to a bronzed orange in the reduction of the wood kiln. Then I painted with black slip on top. I painted free-handed without a stencil so the lines are perfectly imperfect, if you will.
Tattoo Sculptural Lantern is fan-shaped, about 4″ deep, and is stable. Museum wax or putty under the “feet” would add a sense of confidence. Safe to use indoors or out. Enjoy as an eye catcher by day. By night, succumb to the magic of candle light.
17″ tall x 4″ deep x 14″ wide at broadest point. Wood Fired.
See also Wind of the Soul
