One of my latest creations has been making these vessels =) Their skeletal features and repeated patterns remind me of corals in the ocean.
Each piece takes 5 sessions over the course of 2-3 weeks. I start by throwing a cylinder with a lip that curves inwards. Then, the piece is covered lightly and let dry to almost leather dry (not too dry that it cracks when manipulated, and not too wet that the clay sticks to your fingers). On day two, I cut into the clay to form inward curves and horns. After this second stage, I completely cover the clay for one day to rest before dimpling it. I find that letting clay rest after cutting and joining parts helps strengthen those connections.
For stage three, I use different tools such as the backs of paint brushes, chopsticks, etc. to make trails of dimples along the body. After the dimpling stage, I bag the clay fully and let it dry slowly over several days before uncovering the clay to dry fully before its first fire.
