Clay Artist Demonstration This Saturday at ArtOnWater Gallery
Ingrid Bjerstedt Rogers will be at ArtOnWater Gallery on Saturday, October 4th in two sessions (3-5 pm and 6-8pm) demonstrating her techniques for creating the raised-line features on her collectible, glaze painted stoneware buildings.
Barns, churches, schools, libraries, historical buildings, storefronts, and many other buildings can be made with this process based on sketches, photographs, or even an active imagination.
"I start with a gasket type rubber and sketch certain lines on it from my overall design, but, backwards. These lines are the details of the building which might include brick work, roof and trim textures, other architectural features, plants and grass, trees and iron fences. I try to get as much detail on the stamp as I can".
The next step is for Ingrid to carve out those lines with a sharp edged cutter. This results in a custom 'stamp' for that specific design. "When the stamp is pressed onto my fresh clay blank, the details I want to stand out on the clay for each individual design fill the cuts in the stamp".
The recessed carved lines on the stamp produce raised lines on the finished piece. "The clay is then fired, allowed to cool, and then I can do my glaze painting prior to a final firing".
On Saturday, Ingrid will demonstrate her stamp making technique and will be showing some finished pieces made using the stamp process. Bring along a special photo of your favorite building and discuss commissioning Ingrid to create a personal stoneware version for you. More information about the artist and her exhibition can be found at artonwater.com. Contact ArtOnWater Gallery at 507 645-1380 for exhibition details.
