Passed the Tangerine Test

Key Words

plate; abstract

Questions to ask

What is it about this work that makes it valuable?

McLean is not just a ceramicist and artist, but also works with film, theatre and books. Do you think that the image on this plate is influenced by his interest in storytelling and narrative, or by something else?

Many decorated plates are only painted or printed on in the centre; however, the image on this plate covers the entire surface. Do you think that this work is primarily an artwork, and that it just happens to be on a plate?

How this might inspire your work 

Put a contemporary spin on a traditional story by animating one of its important scenes on a porcelain plate.

It may be argued that Bruce McLean references the story of Adam and Eve in Passed The Tangerine Test. Think about a traditional story that interests you, and how you might draw upon elements of it to create a simple, bold image that makes links to contemporary life.

Make several sketches until you are happy with your image. Consider the simple lines and the abstract style used by McLean. Ensure that the image reaches the sides of the plate – you may need to draw your image from an unusual angle, such as very close up, to achieve this.

Take a porcelain plate, and use a pencil to sketch your image onto the plate. Use porcelain paint and pens to add colour to your image. Limit yourself to five bright colours. The first coat may look rough and spotty, so you may need to let the paint dry and then add a second coat. Until the paint is baked on, you wash the paint off the plate if you make any mistakes. To ensure the paints stays permanently on the plate, bake the plate in an oven according to the instructions on the paint.

Give your work a name that alludes to the traditional story behind the design.