I have been interested in making functional ceramic wares with casting and molding. Earlier, I made plaster molds from found objects: metal industrial parts, such as pipe joiners, gears and wall pipe covers. These were combined and reproduced as teapots, cups and plates with slip casting. I prefer using molds to hand building and wheel throwing because I am able to make the same form repeatedly.
After using found objects, I began to produce my original forms with old techniques, such as those used in the form and pattern of Tetusbin, a Japanese cast iron teapot. To form the body, I use plaster turning methods that I learned in Japan, which are called Torime bako (box) and Uma. Both methods use a steel rod as a center axle, and objects form around the rod: Kaiten tai.
I cast wares as mass produced objects, but I assemble all of the parts by hand: the spout, lid, copper handles, and body. Each piece has slightly different features from every other model. I use metal glazes, such as copper, cobalt and iron that relate closely to the original metal parts.
KaitenTai