INTERMISSUM

Intermissum is a triptych of vessels that studies form and materiality through the exploration of controlled breakage. Each vessel is comprised of a biotic earthenware clay and a synthetic mesh. Harmony is articulated as each vessel begins with one base form. A combination of slab and coil construction is used to create the base form and each piece remains in its unfinished state- unsanded and unglazed- allowing the piece to show the handmade impressions, emphasizing the human connection. The overall end form of the vessel is determined by the state the material is in when the action of breakage is inflicted, and its interaction with the synthetic material as a result of breakage. Breakage is imposed upon the vessel during the three stages of drying: leather-heard, bone dry, and bisque. As a result of inflicting breakage during the three different stages of drying, each vessel has its own unique formal characteristic, while remaining cohesive within a collection. The way the synthetic material interacts with the biotic material is impacted by the materials state, as it imposes restrictions. Each vessel incorporates an open, closed and passage aspect through the way the synthetic material is implemented.

LEATHER                                                                               BONE                                                                              BISQUE
BIOTIC MATERIAL
Leather-hard
The condition of a clay or clay body when it has been partially dried to the point where all shrinkage has been completed, and it has a consistency similar to leather. At this stage, the clay object has approximately 15% moisture content. The clay can be gouged or incised without breakage. A hard impact will deform the clay body.

Bone dry
The final stage before firing takes place. Bone dry greenware is extremely brittle and will break apart very easily.  With great delicacy, patients, and proper tools, modifications can be done, such as hand carving holes.

Bisque
Ware that has been fired once and has no chemically bonded water left in the clay. Bisque is a true ceramic material. The first firing is usually only to between cones 08 and 06- 1720 and 1835 degrees F or 945 and 1005 degree C. Firing drives off the water and carbon from the clay and fuses the clay particles together. From this stage, you can no longer add water to the clay and reform the object, it now has a set shape. The resulting piece is hard and requires much more force to break.
SYNTHETIC MATERIAL
FORM
FINAL VESSEL
LEATHER
BONE
BISQUE
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