|
The process of making one pot is extremely labor intensive,
and the craftsmanship is extraordinary.
I wanted to share this with you, so you could see
what real artistry is about with two hands, no automation,
and a LOT of creativity.
The pot at the bottom is the one you see being
created here (in all but 2 of the photos).
|
|
Manuel always starts with a drawing. |
The pattern pieces are cut from sheets of iron. |
The pattern pieces are then used to cut the various pieces in different sizes to create the pot.
|
|
The sizes taper. |
A hand-press is employed to give each piece the rounded shape necessary. |
|
|
The shaped pieces and the metal frames
used to hold the pieces in relationship to each other are checked again.
|
Everything is finally cut and shaped, and the pot design is laid out on the table.
The frames are ready for the first row.
|
|
|
The first row begins. |
Each piece is laid on the frame, and soldered together completing a row. |
|
|
Successive rows are added as the
pot takes shape.
|
The cone from the previous photo is turned over, and the rounded top row is soldered into place. |
 |
|
The final soldering is done to ensure all joints are sealed. |
The pot is then given a thorough scrubbing to ensure that the rusting process will begin with even coverage. |
|
|
The pot is then sprayed to begin the rusting. |
After some drying it is sealed inside.
If it is a planter it will have the ability to drain.
|
|
|
It sits in the sun going through various
wet-dry stages.
|
They are watered until the pots have a rich patina. They are then coated with a sealer. |
The result of this process is the exquisite pot
you see below.
|
