Michael Wainwright

From studio to factory


Michael Wainwright is a ceramist who successfully made the transition from studio potter to designer/manufacturer, producing dinnerware / serveware / giftware in porcelain, as well as glass and enameled metal. His pottery is distinguished by loose, handmade forms decorated with metallic lusters. The casual, handmade feeling of the shapes contrasts with the formality of the gold to create a unique and popular collection. All the porcelain is factory-made in the USA.

In recent years I've made many models for Michael. He designs his pieces by making ceramic prototypes, focusing on the forms, the surface textures and the lively character of the pieces. My role is to take his handmade designs and make them produceable by factories. This could mean either modifying existing pieces or making entirely new models. The goal is to refine the shapes and textures and eliminate technical problems, while conserving Michael's designs and esthetic. I enjoy the collaboration. 

Here are a few examples:

On the right is Michael's coil-built original. I filled undercuts with plasticine, made a waste mold, cast a solid plaster model and cleaned it up. You can see that it is essentially the same form, but now it can be used to make molds for slipcasting.



On top, Michael's handbuilt ceramic sample. Below, the new plaster model that I made, which was used to make dies for pressed ware.

   
 

Plaster models for RAM pressed porcelain. Reproducing the loose, organic character of the original plates and bowls is more challenging than creating precise shapes with rigid geometry. 


     


Click the images below to enlarge


Categories

Commercial Projects

Studio, Tools, Techniques

Mold Design

Elements in the design of plaster molds for slip-casting

Notes on Ceramics and Design

From the Collection

Objects of interest, mostly ceramic, each with a story to tell.

DM Artwork: Ceramics

DM Artwork

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