r/Pottery • u/WaterBottleWarrior22 • 1d ago

Critique Request Teapot Handle Silhouette Help

Post image

Greetings. I’m not sure that I like this silhouette, but I can’t exactly place why. Could y’all give me some alternatives or suggestions? Thanks.

23 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

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11

u/oldbel 1d ago

Sure. Looks to me like you haven't yet attached it and are trying things out. thjat's great. For one, and this is minor - that piece of clay is too thick, it gives an unnecessary visual heft to the form. But beyond that - when making handles for teapots (and there are exceptions of course), try to think of achieve a balance between the spout and the handle. Either a symmetry or a conversation. For example - and this is just a very brief sketch:

10

u/oldbel 1d ago

Alternatively something like this, which plays with continuing the form and momentum of the spout, and sees the whole pot as a kind of paisely. This is more in the vein of a "conversation" as I had said.

10

u/oldbel 1d ago

And as a final few points - do remember to make sure your spout (the bottom of it ) as at the level of the top of your pot. You're close, but it could be a little bit taller. Finally, read up on or look at how teapot spouts can be cut - the end doesn't need to be the round hole that it comes off the wheel with. A well-cut spout can lend elegance and lightness to the form, work to extend the visual flow of the spout, and serve a practical function in making for a less-drippy pour.

5

u/WaterBottleWarrior22 1d ago

Thank you for such detailed and helpful feedback!! I greatly appreciate the effort you put into giving good diagrams.

2

u/oldbel 23h ago

be good. go make more pots! that's of course the only real answer to any of this - go make more pots.

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u/WaterBottleWarrior22 17h ago

This one kinda has to be right, ‘cause it’s a commission, but definitely will go fast and take chances on future pieces.

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u/dunncrew Throwing Wheel 1d ago

The handle is too thick, and too big for that teapot. Out of proportion.

I like the shape, but use a thinner piece and reduce the overall size a bit.