Fungi (bowls) finished on Friday

©2015 Barry Smith - Backs of Fungi Form bowls

Today I got back to working on pieces for the Mt Cootha Botanique Bazaar exhibit-sale. On my list of things to make was 3 sets of small (about 5-6cm in diameter) Fungi Forms (bowls). These are a variation of the Starburst Bowl and are more true to the original inspiration which is the slightly conical shaped fungi that grows on logs in our area.

©2015 Barry Smith - The fungi inspiration for the bowls

I thought I would share a bit of the process; and the stakes and hammer I use to make these forms.

©2015 Barry Smith - Beginning to form the bowl on a rounded stake

©2015 Barry Smith - The Japanese style hammer used to raise the bowls 

©2015 Barry Smith - Slim conical stake used to hammer across the bowl form

And the outcome was good - lovely hammer makes on the back and texture on the front.

©2015 Barry Smith - Formed bowls on the annealing tray

©2015 Barry Smith - Nine bowls on rust - all ground and polished

©2015 Barry Smith - The bowls will be sold in sets of three

©2015 Barry Smith - A cluster of fungi forms with rust

Apart from a final polish the 3 sets are now ready for Mt Cootha. I'm now off to make a risotto and drink a couple of glasses of red - well it is Friday - art and wine - grand combo.