The Creativity of Contemporary Sculpting Prototype The Crisis of “Potters”: the Ancient Ayutthaya Wisdom of Khlong Sa Bua Community

Abstract

The creation of a contemporary sculpture prototype under the concept of The Crisis of “Potters”: the Ancient Ayutthaya Wisdom of Khlong Sa Bua Community aims to research and learn about clay pot making techniques from clay potters who are still practicing their craft. Furthermore, to preserve and pass on the Khlong Sa Bua community's wisdom of making clay pots to students and interested members of the next generation for use as a study guide. Furthermore, the project aims to reflect the concept and impression of Khru Nongnuch Charoenphon or Phi Yor, "a potter" from the Khlong Sa Bua community, by designing and creating a prototype of contemporary sculptures based on this concept and impression.
The study and knowledge collection method were to conduct field surveys and interviews with "the potters" in the Khlong Sa Bua community and surrounding areas who had previously worked in this profession. The highlight of this contemporary sculpture prototype technique is the use of clay from the Suan Phrik community in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province as the main raw material, including Kaew Klaeb soil and Khlui Poo soil, which are traditional local clays that potters in the past liked to use to shape clay and apply to the surface of clay pots. In addition, fine sand is added to the clay to strengthen the structure of the workpiece. Hand-forming techniques such as pinching and wheel throwing are used, along with cutting, drilling, and scraping to decorate the shape of the clay workpiece. Clay or cement blocks are also used to polish the surface, as is the use of wood to beat the shape, as well as smoothing the surface of the workpiece with river pebbles to increase strength.
The contemporary sculpture prototype was inspired by P้hi Yor's perseverance and determination during her life struggle. The researcher desired to be a medium for expressing and reflecting her inner feelings by conveying them as artwork and transmitting these impressive feelings through two small sculpture prototypes. The researcher sincerely hopes that this contemporary sculpture prototype project will allow him to further develop the artwork and serve as a guideline for future students and interested parties, as well as provide aesthetic benefits to those who see it.