Beef. BFH. Big f–king handles. You want ’em, I got em. My new experiment in upping the stakes in grippable chunkiness. “Love handles”. A bit of something extra to get your hands on. These are not your average wispy runway models. Not the anorexic waifs that get plastered across glossy magazine covers. These are real handles for real people. Tell me what you think:
George is sporting the latest in casual dining ware, matching comfort with an elegant sense of style.
Victoria knows her own mind and is not afraid to use it. Wrapped in the latest finely articulated clays she strides boldly into any room and becomes the immediate center of attention.
Julian may have that down home appeal, but his strength and passion make him equally at home in executive board rooms and on holiday escapes.
Gloria finds time in her busy schedule for the big hearted generosity that is perfectly revealed in these contemporary designs.
Classic lines and timeless elegance is what Francesca brings to the table. From late night snacks to fine dining her stately grace will illuminate any occasion.
Fabio has a body that most cups would kill for, yet the most impressive thing about him is the quiet charm that wins people over so easily. Both ruggedly handsome and winningly whimsical, Fabio is an instant hit with both men and women.
I absolutely love pushing the handles in this direction. The only question is whether I can go even further and still maintain a semblance of functionality. I was at first surprised, but these all seem to fit quite comfortably in my hands. Of course, making them each a bit different is only sensible in a world where no two hands are exactly alike….
Peace all!
Happy potting!
Make beauty real!
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CARTER GILLIES POTTERY 
Loving the catwalk descriptions!
That was fun to do! Pots with personalities, you know!
You’ve been hanging around Tony Clennell too long, Nice looking.
Heh, heh! I should have paid tribute to Tony in the post, and you are right to call me out for it. Tony sure knows how to make a fearless handle! I was definitely inspired by the spirit of Tony if not the exact trajectory of his handles themselves. Thanks for calling that out!
Can you introduce me to George? and Fabio as well.. I love the slight twist in the handle,
Thanks Yvette! You’ve got good taste!
Carter: I should have fallen for a woman but I love George and Fabio is a runner up. I used your cup all the way home from Georgia. You make a damn decent cup there dude and a strapping good handle. cheers, t
Thanks Tony! Coming from you that is especially nice to hear! Your handles have rocked my world since I first saw them. (It would be fair to say that I have a handle crush on some of your pots) So glad that my little cup brought you some comfort on the trip home. I’m just glad I had one I liked well enough for me to send on its way with you!
How about fat to thin to fat?
In my mind this is sort of what I’m aiming at: Both the attachment areas are stout, but at the top it rapidly narrows to the thin section. I suppose I could make the top area more obviously thick, but I kind of like the way that its thickness is disguised by how quickly it thins out. I suppose I’m kind of stuck exploring the thinner area just off the top attachment. That little stretch of thinned out clay takes away the clunky it might have been otherwise. But exploring other options is never out of the question! Thanks for the suggestion BP!
Carter, I bought a mug from you around Christmastime that had this sort of handle, although maybe not even as beefy as these recent ones in this posting. From a functional standpoint, the handle, close to the rest of the body, but not so close that you burn your knuckles on a cup of Joe, the BFH was part of what drew me to this mug.
I’m glad you’re going even bolder.
Even more attractive is something about the width that offers additional opportunity as a surface for decoration. More opportunities for differentiation of this mug from others!
Another thing–I love the green glaze that looks like it might be copper patina or else an Arts and Crafts glaze.
That is so nice to hear!
Yeah, I was already headed in this direction when I saw you in December. I’m glad to know this direction in my pots is being well received! Thanks for the encouragement 🙂 Its always great to hear how my work is fitting into people’s lives!
Love them.
Ooo… I love BFHandles. Sassy. 😀
Becky, you know all about the nuance of handles. Aren’t they just so fun to explore!
The luscious ladies are my favourites – particularly love the booty on Francesca!
Loving the handles, I need to work on my own handles they have been so skinny and blah.
Of all the pots in my collection (not very many pots) my favourite handle is on a jug by Jeremy Steward http://instagram.com/p/k4jmqXp4-Q/#
These are great handles. Some of the handles I respond to most are from two women potters Peg Malloy and Charity Davies-Woodard. I try to cover (emulate) their handle finesse.
I admire their work too! Thanks for the kind words 🙂
Tony Clennell just posted on the difference between ‘beefy’ handles and the low fat vegetarian sort:
http://smokieclennell.blogspot.com/2014/03/veggies-versus-meat.html
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