The overall appearance of the piece, the relationship of its parts, its proportions, the quality of its curves, thickness, the shape of its opening, and so on, dramatically impacts the way we perceive it. Even before consciously considering what the piece actually is, the viewer perceives its form and how it feels.
Think About Proportion
There’s no exact science or formula when it comes to proportion. You’re developing a sense of what works well for you and what feels balanced to you. Perfect symmetry is not necessarily called for, either. There can be balance and intentionality even though parts of the piece are not exactly identical or symmetrical, and even a subtle handmade feel can add interest. Consider how the different parts work together, which leads to a balanced feeling.
Try starting out simply. Make sure you’ve consciously considered whether the piece should be tall or shorter and wider, and light or heavy. Consider if the piece is wider at its base or narrower. These considerations can help get you started in the right direction without overly limiting the process.
You might consider making a few pieces from the same basic shape to see how changing the proportions affect it. How do the proportions change your perception of it? Is the base wide enough to support its tall stature? A wider base with a very tall piece may provide balance, whereas a very narrow base and wide body could suggest instability. As you look at your work, you’ll start to develop a sense of what’s balanced to your eye.
The curves and angles also contribute to form. You’re developing a sense of what works well for you in terms of these, and the subtleties of this affect how a vessel looks as a whole. Minor adjustments make a difference.
Step back to look at your piece and notice the silhouette, the overall shape of it, the contour. You may focus on minute details, but when people view your piece from far away the silhouette is the first thing they might notice.
Try rotating your piece as you consider its silhouette. Notice whether the whole shape interests you. Is it visually appealing to you in its entirety?
You might also sketch out different ideas for vessels to consider them before making, or draw the silhouette of pieces you’re interested in.
Create Smooth Transitions
Whether it’s a change in diameter or texture, transitions in a ceramic vessel affect its whole look. Abrupt changes suggest energy, but gradual transitions may make a vessel seem softer or organic.
Notice where your pieces make transition from one shape or size to another. Consider if a seam might be too abrupt and if it would work better if it had a more gradual transition. A seam at a different height may make an interesting composition for you. Experiment.
How thick and wide the base is has a large impact on the stability of your piece, both physically and visually. If it’s too thin the piece may seem unbalanced or precarious. If it’s too thick it may feel heavy or unbalanced in another way. As you make, you’ll start to have a sense of how thick a base should be for different sized vessels. You might want to refer to a diagram for basic proportions to guide you when you’re starting out.
The shape of the opening of your vessel, the contour and thickness, the angle at which it opens up, all of these affect the perception of it as a whole. Is it closed or more open? The width of the opening and the angle at which the vessel opens might make the piece feel more welcoming or encased.
As you’re shaping your piece, consider if these elements work well together and give a feeling of intentionality, if the whole is harmonious and cohesive to your eye.
You might think about the surface of the vessel as you consider form. How do repeating curves or lines make it feel? Do textures, patterns, or applied elements, handles or other adornments, work well together? As with shape, a repetitive pattern creates rhythm and consistency for the viewer, and it’s interesting to play with that. There doesn’t need to be perfect symmetry, though. A pattern with slight variation can feel natural and handmade.
Remember that your piece will guide you, clay doesn’t always act as you predict and you need to work with its behavior. Sometimes the results are better for it. You might want to make a piece that will flow and be round but the clay resists. Adapt your idea and you might make a more angular or geometric piece that works.
Develop Your Own Sense of Form
It takes time to develop a personal sense of form. As you make, look at as many different ceramic pieces as you can, sketch, and consider form and how you perceive it. Over time you’ll develop a sense of what interests you, what you can identify as well thought-out form.