CERAMIC FISHDesigning a 3-D surface with pattern and texture

Fish…some are living rainbows

Color, pattern and texture…the variety is endless

Body shape, fins, tails, eyes…lots of variety

Color, pattern and texture…the variety is endless

Color, pattern and texture…the variety is endless

Examples of ceramic fish…pattern, texture, color

Bisque fish…before glaze application

Plan for areas of pattern…neatness is critical also!

Plan for incised and relief design areas…

Ceramic fish…how to get started

Look for examples of real fish…study and sketch out fins, tails, eyes, mouths and general body shapes

Sketch out a stylized version (general or simplified manner) of your fish design

Plan for areas of pattern, texture and decoration (relief and incised)

Ceramic fish…creating the hollow body

Begin to create your fish using two pods as the main form

Attach the pods together trapping air (like a balloon)

Paddle the hollow pod into the basic body shape you want

Begin creating and attaching the dorsal fin, tail and side fins

Ceramic fish…adding the design

Refine the fins, tails and eye areas by incising or adding relief pieces

Form and gently twist the body so the fish appears to be moving through water

Make sure to adjust the fins and tail so the fish will be able to stand upright…keep the head and tail balanced so it doesn’t tip

Finally add decorative elements to make the fish uniquely yours…you may also create your fish’s environment as a base (coral, sea grass, rocks, etc)

Carve lines, shapes, symbols and patterns into the body

Add areas of texture Make sure your designs are deep enough…

remember that

glaze is thick!