A teapot takes shape
“It was all random. I let it start out on the wheel and let the form just happen.”
by Cathie Lawrence
When Kalee Kennedy wants a cup of tea, she makes her own teapot first. Kennedy, a communications studies major, has been doing ceramics for two years, lives in Antioch and graduated from Deer Valley High School before enrolling at LMC. She plans on attending Sacramento State in the fall. But before she goes, one of her last projects this semester is creating a unique stoneware pot.
Teapots became popular in the mid-1700s because of the importance of teatime and the tea ceremony in England. A mainstay of ceramicists in the 18th century was the teapot. Kennedy continues this long-standing tradition.
One of the major steps in creating pottery is forming and shaping clay. Kennedy works on a potter’s wheel similar to the ones used as early as 6,000 BC in Mesopotamia to accomplish this vital step. The potter’s wheel is ideal for creating symmetrical and balanced designs.
But even after a ceramic work has been completed on the wheel, details must be attended to. Trimming and cleaning are needed to ensure the finished product functions as intended and is professional looking.
The piece must be designed, sculpted and fired. Delicate decorating with paint or enamel creates artistic designs to bring the work of art to life. Proper glazing techniques protect the beauty of the design. So for artistic ceramist Kalee Kennedy, teatime is no simple task.
I'm very excited to be working on the staff of the Experience. I continue to enjoy my position as a Sports Photographer and Staff Writer...
