Now that I have the transparent and white glaze powders I can begin to develop my form and texture when It comes to my ceramics. I want to find other historic vessels to take influence from as I feel the ampulla is restricting the freedom in my form. I've been looking through the V&A collection of ceramics and I feel I could work with the pre-15th century oil lamps on there as it fits with my oil work and the flat, almond-like shape is something I find visually appealing. I like the idea of removing the fire element from the piece removing the practicality and the aroma oil replacing it. I'm hoping experimenting with flatter forms will help me with my development and teach me new constructions. I still want to begin with the pipe as structural form that I can adapt into this shape as it's still something I enjoy visually however I will test other forms of constructing as the can be restricting.
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| Syrian Oil Lamp 700-900AD |
Handheld vessels for light pre-date written history with early humans who used shells and hollowed rocks filled with animal fat soaked moss. spiritually lamps appear in the Torah and other Jewish sources as a symbol of "lighting" the way for the righteous, the wise, and for love and other positive values. While fire was often described as being destructive, light was given a positive spiritual meaning. There are also several references to oil lamps in the New Testament like in the 'Parable of the Ten Virgins'. In the Orthodox Church and many Eastern Catholic Churches oil lamps are still used both on the Holy Table (altar) and to illuminate icons.
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Roman Three Wick Hole Bronze Oil Lamp Unknown Date
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