Ceramic Transfer and Decal Application Techniques

Ceramic Decal and or Transfer application.
My intent is to utilize existing ceramic transfers in a new an exciting way; enhancing and accentuating the existing ceramic form, whilst adding meaning to the piece, as explained in a previous post entry - exploring surface development options. The ceramic decals and or transfers are cut and applied to the ceramic rat forms in an unconventional way. Normally the transfer takes centre stage and are positioned in the centre of the piece (conventional approach in tea cups and teapots). Closer observation will reveal the opposite - often the design is cut in half and placed in the cavity of the form to accentuate the three dimensionality of the animated ceramic rat forms ( shown in the examples above and below). I have also cut the conventional ceramic transfers into heart shapes, placed strategically, to enhance the butt of the ceramic rats, their tales protruding in weapon like fashion.
















Applying Ceramic Transfers.
The development of ceramic surfaces incorporating ceramic transfers and or decals are very exciting. They are a very immediate and direct way of applying decoration, that embraces an old ceramic design tradition, associated with mainly industrial ware. However more recently the printed image has been utilized in a variety of ways; extending one's perception of decoration far beyond the obvious, in both an exciting and dynamic way - often changing the meaning and significance of the piece (challenging our preconceptions of ceramic surface decoration and or development). The work of Paul Scott (UK), Robert Dawson (UK) Marcel Wanders (Droog Design) Hella Jongerius and Tord Boontje are some of the most significant. Often the printed image is manipulated on the computer and transferred to the ceramic products and or plates to challenge the interface of the decoration in relation to the form and shape of the ceramic products. This is achieved by extending the decorative function of the decals to a level of ceramic expression, until recently unexplored. The designers applying their trade to ceramics have led the way and came up with design solutions breaking the mould of ceramic surface development in every way possible.

Posted in: Ceramic Process - sharing techniques and methods,Tattooed rats