Object 2 Assessment 2 - Dining Ritual ObjectsThe Sweetest Course playfully explores dining rituals through tactile surface design, transforming bowls into expressive ornamental pieces. Each vessel in small, medium and large sizes invites interaction through two piping-inspired techniques. These include cast clay pipings and whipped clay applied with a variety of nozzles to create textured, dynamic surfaces. Pastel underglazes in sugary hues such as pale pink, lilac, green and yellow enhance the visual and tactile appeal. A final layer of mother-of-pearl lustre adds whimsical shine.
This collection reimagines the bowl as a joyful centrepiece, merging food, art and ornament to encourage sensory engagement at the table.
Process
Step 1: Making piped forms
I began by developing a soft, pipeable clay using joining slip, allowing me to replicate traditional icing techniques in ceramic form. These piped designs were small-scale models which I then bisque fired and used to create individual plaster moulds. This was an intricate and time-intensive process that formed the foundation of the project.
Step 2: Experimenting with form
Initially, I attempted to build the entire bowls solely from the small moulds. However, this method proved inefficient and fragile, as the forms were too delicate and the slip-casting process too slow. This stage highlighted the need to reconsider my construction technique.
Step 3: Combining slip-casting and piping techniques
I
resolved these challenges by casting a thin bowl base using pre-made moulds, leaving the slip in for only five minutes to maintain a lightweight yet sturdy form. I then decorated the surface using a combination of direct piping and applied piped forms from the small moulds, balancing texture, variety and efficiency.
Final Outcome