Combining Two Curves
Earlier we played with two or three curves - for bowls and other "open forms". Now let's look at turning the top curve - INWARD - and some things to think about when thinking about your next Hollow Form.
Again, we're dealing with two curves - two intersecting arcs - be they arcs of a circle or an oval. And once again, it's about proportions ( the height to the diameter) and the tangent point (the transition from one curve to another). For the examples below I've gone with Thirds and Fifths for the proportions as well as the tangent point (even numbers don't seem to work well, something worth noting).
Once you've chosen the basic proportions (height to width), where you chose to make the transition ffrom one curve/arc to another will affect the visual center of gravity of the piece.
If the tangent point is ABOVE the horizontal centerline of the piece - it will give the look of the piece a "lift" and lightness - as if it's rising, or about to rise - on the verge of ascending.
If the tangent point is AT the horizontal centerline, the piece will be an oval - neither ascending nor descending - to me, kind of boring because it's too familiar.
If the tangent point is BELOW the horizontal centerline of the piece the piece will look more substantial, more stabile and grounded.
The addition of a "neck" or a "foot" - or both - can change the look of the piece some, but for now, focus on the height to diameter and tangent point combinations that looks most appealing - to YOU (I'm just here to show you some possibilities - and relationships).
(Be aware that the look of the wood itself will change the look of the piece - lighter woods imply a sense of lighter mass while darker woods give a piece a heavier, more massive look. Don't believe me? Cover up the light side of these and look at the dark side. Then reverese the process, hiding the dark side and revealing the light side.)
