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Don't like this style, but wondering if anyone has criticism that would make this better? Basically how to make better steep walls bowl?
- Thread starter Irfan Sehic
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It's hard to tell from just these two pictures, but I think that this shape would work really well with a prominent, well-defined foot.
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what don’t you like about it? What do you like? How would you change the next one.
Look at taller bowls in galleries, internet, what do you like about the ones you see
Here are some ideas for taller ne bowls
Jerry kermode
Bert marsh
Artis unknown but with and endgrain crotch you have the extra high rim option
Look at taller bowls in galleries, internet, what do you like about the ones you see
Here are some ideas for taller ne bowls
Jerry kermode
Bert marsh
Artis unknown but with and endgrain crotch you have the extra high rim option
I don't like that is steep, and curve seems weak, without any decisions. I love that Bert Marsh bowl,thanks for sharing!
I'll have to give it a try.
You might find you like it better without the bark. it's texture just doesn't fit with the overall form.
Maybe... I know I don't like bark on the shallow part because of the steepness there is more of it than on top of the bowl, even though the wall is the same thickness.
Irfan, the most important questions are what Al raised-- what do you see? what do you think could be better? If you put a piece of black or white paper behind it, what do you then see?
To my eye, the sides look a little straight, from the first picture. Hard to tell without seeing it in person. If that's the case, one trick that might help you is to take a ruler or straight edge and place it along the outside curve of your bowl. Most knowledgeable people (meaning "smarter than me") recommend a continuous curve. The straightedge will tell you if you have a flat area. If that's the case, for your next one, try for at least a subtle curve inward, or as Al Hockenbery shows in his third picture, outward.
The other thing that often makes a difference in a form is the diameter of the base. The rule of thumb is 1/3 of the maximum diameter, but sometimes smaller is better, and with this steep shape, a narrower base might have made a difference, as would the inclusion of a foot, as Asher mentioned.
To my eye, the sides look a little straight, from the first picture. Hard to tell without seeing it in person. If that's the case, one trick that might help you is to take a ruler or straight edge and place it along the outside curve of your bowl. Most knowledgeable people (meaning "smarter than me") recommend a continuous curve. The straightedge will tell you if you have a flat area. If that's the case, for your next one, try for at least a subtle curve inward, or as Al Hockenbery shows in his third picture, outward.
The other thing that often makes a difference in a form is the diameter of the base. The rule of thumb is 1/3 of the maximum diameter, but sometimes smaller is better, and with this steep shape, a narrower base might have made a difference, as would the inclusion of a foot, as Asher mentioned.
Definitely needs a foot to give it some lift. Looks like it's sinking into the surface it's on.
I agree, the curve looks a bit "flat" in one spot.
Another spot to examine might be the curve a little above the base.
The eye, at least mine, can be tricked a bit by shape of the colors (heart, sapwood, and bark).
I find it far easier to evaluate the shape by feel - run the fingers lightly up and down the surface and any discontinuity (flat, slight depression or bulge) might be more obvious. I do this on every piece, both inside and out. Even do this with the eyes closed.
On a shape like this it may help to feel with more of the fingers than just the tips.
I think the rest of the shape is OK except to me it looks a little too "tippy", but others of course may think differently!
But that's hard to tell from a photo. There does appear to be a significant flat on the bottom but a small flared foot might help with both the visual and physical stability (and better show off the curve at the bottom).
I like the bark and don't think it's too thick. (And it still has some green moss in the bark!) It would be nice to see it from different directions, say turned a bit to show a little more of the curvature of the bark.
But the thing about art is everyone has a opinion. (my opinions are worth about what you paid for them!)
JKJ
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Irfan, again, my opinion is not your opinion, nor is my opinion "correct" (even though I am echoing some of the above).
If I had 3 wishes for that piece they would be, in order:
Remove the bark.
Reduce the wall thickness to something like 1/4".
Narrower base, 10 or 20% smaller with less curvature in the lower third. (I would not want a foot or pedestal at the bottom).
Ok, that was 4 wishes. This form has the potential to be (more) elegant and dramatic. Tree bark doesn't strike me as elegant. Thinner walls would add to both. "Adjusting base and lower third will add to the drama, as well.
And if my magic powers hadn't left me, I'd love to see what a piece like that would look like with ruller straight sides ending in a narrow base.
If I had 3 wishes for that piece they would be, in order:
Remove the bark.
Reduce the wall thickness to something like 1/4".
Narrower base, 10 or 20% smaller with less curvature in the lower third. (I would not want a foot or pedestal at the bottom).
Ok, that was 4 wishes. This form has the potential to be (more) elegant and dramatic. Tree bark doesn't strike me as elegant. Thinner walls would add to both. "Adjusting base and lower third will add to the drama, as well.
And if my magic powers hadn't left me, I'd love to see what a piece like that would look like with ruller straight sides ending in a narrow base.
Nothing in particular stands out to me as "wrong". I am not a fan of natural edge bowls, they just aren't practical enough for me. I started removing the bark since it seemed that people would always try to pick them up by the bark and of course it would break off. I would have cut the pith out of the bottom. Since wood does grow on trees, make several more and vary the shape to see what looks best to you. I remember making a piece that I thought was terribly ugly, and a guy from LA who has a store there came and it was the first one he put in his box.... You never know!
robo hippy
robo hippy
Lance Mirrer
AKA "taxman"
Just another opinion, but I love the piece, as it is - bark, curve, and base included.
Maybe a foot, maybe thinner, maybe smaller, maybe made out of clay with feathers on it. All changes for a different piece.
Every piece is unique is their own way. And every admirer has different concepts of perfection. Make several, incorporate the changes you like. Make more of the ones you like. But cherish this one for where it fits into your journey, it is a masterpiece!
Maybe a foot, maybe thinner, maybe smaller, maybe made out of clay with feathers on it. All changes for a different piece.
Every piece is unique is their own way. And every admirer has different concepts of perfection. Make several, incorporate the changes you like. Make more of the ones you like. But cherish this one for where it fits into your journey, it is a masterpiece!