Kurinuki is a Japanese term relating to a particular hand-forming process. This technique employs carving out a shaped solid block of clay to obtain interior space.
Above: My Kurinuki Bowl featuring a Diamond Accent
My Kurinuki Journey
For my Kurinuki pieces I drew inspiration from a combination of artists; the technique of Kurinuki artist, Akira Satake, and the geometric patterns of Steve Kelly.
I was drawn to some of the diamond-shaped designs that was used in concrete sculptures as well. I wanted to incorporate this in my Kurinuki pieces...to tie in the structure of geometric shapes and the rigidness and organic feel of the Kurinuki technique.
Sculpting the Kurinuki pieces was a very therapeutic process. It was relaxing in knowing that there was no way to go wrong and also knowing that I did not have to worry about smoothing seams or making flawless finish (as in the slab technique).
I still wanted my Kurinuki pieces to have a finished look, so I used wet fingers to smoothen the insides a bit so that my bowl and cup would be better suited for holding food and drinks. I added the diamond-texture by carving away at the clay when it was leather hard. I was very pleased with the final results and started to imagine how I would paint and glaze these pieces to bring out the diamond-pattern.
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