I had a semester free and I wanted to continue to push further with what I had been able to achieve with slipcasting the year before. I wanted to do a true multi-part mould (>2 parts) which would give me confidence in tackling almost any form without being as restricted by undercuts. Of course, each slipcasting project is a big investment, so I wanted to make something I knew many people would want, and make a profit while I’m at it.
I decided to give a new spin to a tried and true form—a science fiction update to the mid-century modern planter.
I explored softer forms and found success with one that had 4 distinct legs that brought the planter to life gave it some personality. The 4 legs gives it a stance that’s almost animal-like, which doesn’t come across with just 3 legs.
The additional benefit of lifting the planter above the ground was to avoid having stagnant water sit on the plate after watering your plants. Instead, any excess water could just evaporate rather than left behind, possibly causing root rot and damaging the soil.
I made quick sketches on the spot in order to describe my ideas and get them validated by the technician and monitors in the ceramics studio. Our frequent back and forths and updates gave me the confidence to move forward with my mould designs.
My mould would need to be made of 5 separate parts to pull away from my planter safely, fulfilling my ambition to tackle a complex multi-part mould.
Another consideration when slipcasting is the shrinkage that occurs from the raw clay to the final glazed piece. The biggest change occurs between the bisque firing and the glaze firing—the shrinkage is most visible and the legs splay out as the planter body sinks down.
I measured the moulds on my previous projects and their final results to estimate a roughly 10% decrease in size. I compensated for this in my mould, and as seen below, my very first set of glazed planters match my original scale prototypes perfectly.
I laser cut some custom packaging to protect the planter legs.
One of my friends makes felted succulents for her brand Contrabotanic, so I commissioned some custom plants for my display pieces at the show.
I sold all of the planters I made at my school Graduation Exhibition and directly to anyone who requested one.
Some images of my planters happy in their new homes.
