Anyhow, here is the first gunnera bowl, which survived the bisque firing with only a small crack. So I have my fingers crossed (when they're not in clay) that it will survive the final firing intact.
I prepared a slab using the slab roller, and pressed the leaf (with some of the prominent veins shaved down to a manageable thickness) into it, using a pastry roller. I then slumped it onto the outside of a big mold which I know has been used for bird baths, and has fit into the kilns. I wanted to make a sort of foot for it (although not a precisely level one, as it will probably just go into the garden, not stay indoors), which I did with coils. Then I reinforced it in various spots, using leftover strips from the slab :
So far so good. And it did just fit into the kiln :
After that first leaf, which was almost too much for me to handle, I decided to make a smaller leaf. This one I am hoping will end up in the living room or kitchen. So I made it a nice even foot (extruded, since I am not particularly adept at rolling coils), and placed it on with a level. I am really excited to see this one. I think it will be particularly beautiful.
Here they both are, waiting for me to continue working with them in September. I didn't want to rush the first one, which I plan to finish with stains, perhaps not even glaze at all.
In between working on the huge gunnera leaves, I also made a few small leaf plates from hydrangea leaves and Davidii Involucrata (my beloved David or Dove Tree) leaves. I amuse myself by using a small snake as a foot. I think it is a lovely surprise when someone turns the plate over (although perhaps not everyone thinks a snake is a thing of beauty as I do) :
Stay tuned. I hope to be able to pick up some of these pieces prior to September, and will be sure to post photos.
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