Proposal  |  Investigation Project  |  Term 2  ||  Term 1
  Initial Ideas  |  Weeks 1-2  |  Weeks 3-4
Week 3: Analysis and "Completely Different Perspective" on a Key Work
Four cut slab pots with added texture from Term 1.
The cube is a basic starting exercise in slab work.  The technique is notable for its versitality.  I estimate about 20 % of my finished work in first term was done with or included slab.
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Completely Different Perspective
Inspired by Peter Hawksby's work I attempted a multi-clay slab pot.  Composition: The base layer is High Fire White.  The outer layer pieces, held on by slip, are made of Choc. Chip Speckled Buff, Brick Red, CB3, a reconstituted clay and HFW.  I also tried a patch of porcelain, but it was too different and did not adhere so I had to remove it.  Decorative stitching and file impressions add texture and create a patchwork quilt effect.
Cutouts with stained inserts.
Multilayer.
Carved out.


Context:
Theoretical: Slab construction is one of three basic forms of hand building ceramics; the other two methods are pinching construction and coil construction. 
Historical: Slab building dates to the Neolithic Period, coinciding with agricultural development; first kilns around 6000 BCE.  The technique provided versatility.  Tablets are clear examples of slab technique.  Research into vessels of the period, based on fragments, is more ambiguous as to what techniques were used. 
Current: Popular because of its versatility.  See for example, Peter Hawksby, Madeleine Child.

Readings:
Voigt, Mary M.. "CERAMICS ii. The Neolithic Period in Northwestern Persia." Encyclopaedia Iranica. Dec. 15, 1991.

Dikov, Ivan  "8,000-Year-Old Ceramic Slab with Possibly World’s Oldest Writing Discovered near Bulgaria’s Nova Zagora."   Archaeology in Bulgaria and Beyond.  Feb. 27, 2018.

Anderson, Sonja.  "4,000 Year-Old Clay Tablets Show Ancient Sumerians' Obsession with Government Bureaucracy."  Smithonian Magazine. Mar. 19, 2025.

Petrik, Jan.  "Technology and provenience of the oldest pottery in the northern Pannonian Basin indicates its affiliation to hunter-gatherers."  Nature.  Aug. 20, 2024.

Child, Madeleine "Seven Long Planks" at Brett McDowell Gallery, opened March 6, 2026.

Wallace, Jeremy.  "Cutting and Layering Slabs to Create Organic Texture."  Ceramic Arts Network Daily, July 18, 2022.

Leslie MacKinnon.  "Slab Pottery Ideas – 27 Amazing Projects to Try Out."  The Pottery Wheel, Sept. 30 2022.
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