>I've quickly learned that a hollow form that looks great on the lathe doesn't necessarily so off of it. So, I took this off before much hollowing was done to observe it. Glad I did because something is just not right.
I'll go first, PLEASE jump in with your critiques and help me finish this piece off properly.
I think that the top profile needs to come in towards the center a bit more and have a bit less rise to it, closing up towards a slightly shorter piece with a somewhat more narrow neck.
I also believe that the bottom should be a bit more narrow, which will necessitate a slightly sharper profile on the bottom, and that may give it a more Southwestern look. The more I look at it the top is definitely too massive around the neck.
>The photo may change the perspective of the piece, but I like it like it is (but maybe without the chuck on it). It is a southwestern shape as it, the key will be in completion of the foot. Put it on the lathe, turn it on and bend down an loog at it while it is spinning. This will eliminate the grain and figure from distorting your view. (Thank you Mr Ellsworth for that tip)
>Hi Mike , it appears you have left a bead-shaped foot. I might look good with no visible foot, just let the form continue to a small surface for the piece to sit on. Nice flowing lines. Keith
If there is a beaded foot, I would do like Keith suggested and get rid of it. I think it interrupts the flowing lines of the piece.
Other than that small tweak, it looks pretty damn nice to me! Don't beat yourself up about it, it looks cool. (And here I thought I was hard on myself!)
>Thanks gents. There is no foot. What appears to be a foot is reflection from the epoxy I use for the glue blocks. I haven't had the greatest luck using CA for them but West System 5 minute epoxy has never failed me, even with a couple of scary catches.
Dom, if anyone treated me the way I treat myself, I'd never talk to them again! I've always been very demanding of my work, no matter what its been with.
From whats been added here and on WOW I think I need to keep the bottom rounded and bring the top curve in a little deeper towards the neck. Should be neat to see the "before" and after.
>Your last comment said, "From whats been added here and on WOW I think I need to ...... bring the top curve in a little deeper towards the neck."
Why?? This one looks fine just like it is.
There is a tendency to want to flatten the top of the shoulders on these forms. This always gives the impression that the top has started to collapse down into the form. That also requires a sharper radius at the neck. The result is a piece that looks like it wants to settle down on the table surface. That seems to be the appearance that many are preferring for these forms because I am sure seeing a lot of them being made that way.
Your's is different. You have smooth flowing fair curves in an ever upward direction. The impression is one of lightness and upward movement. That is something quite different, and something that I would prefer to see in this form.
As for the size of the top opening, it is proportional to the rest of the form the way it is. To me, small openings always look out of proportion on these forms. The disadvantage of the larger opening is that the inside of the form has to be smooth and either finished or painted; but that is something that sets a piece above the rest with their rough unfinished interiors.
Don't do anything different, keep the round bottom, and be proud this form just that way it is.
