the Diner style

what does it take to create a whole new style of handle?  it's a strange thing to discard a technique or style that's been worked on for years...so easily.  i'm feeling good about the change.  I suppose the pulled handle and I had our own paths to take.  seeya!

Now...  onto bigger and better things!  the Diner-Style!

Do you know those big, clunky, thick, one-fingered mugs that all breakfast joints and most restaurants have?  Yah.  There's something very appealing to me about these mugs, and I think a lot of potters would agree or feel the same.  Some would say they suck in most ways.  I like them though.  They're strong and practical.  This is the mug.  This is the handle.  No bull.  No frilly gimmicks... a mug designed to be banged around, dropped, chipped, thick (to keep the coffee hot as long as possible) and cheaply made and replaced.  That's awesome.  But!  why not combine parts of the diner mug with parts of a studio artist's cup?  That's what I'm trying to get to...  and here they are.

It's fun to try new things.... and almost immediately have I noticed how I can make them better.  From the prototype handle to the best way to cast them..there are lots of things to improve upon.  And another strange thing.... by press molding a handle...  I feel like I've flipped the two parts of the mug - the body and the handle.  when pulling a handle off the cup....  the handle must fit the cup it's attached to.  and now by already having a shape pre-destined for the unmade cup..the cup must fit the handle!  ahhh!