Explorations with Clay and Fire

Hello friends,

Just found an wonderful new ceramic web site.

http://www.kariceramics.com/

I found this site when I was looking for matte glazes. It displays some very creative work with interesting designs and beautiful colored glazes. Keri has a new line of "Organic Stoneware" dishes that have a nice contrast between the rough exterior and the smooth interior.

Check it out!

Don

I uploaded some of my older pieces today.

The first handle on the tea pot broke off. I replaced it with a new one with a different shape. I think it works better any way.

Haven't posted for awhile since I have been learning more about glazes. There is a lot to learn about that topic. I watched a YouTube video today by Simon Leach about making a teapot. I decided to take it as a challenge. I didn't choose to use a bamboo handle so I added a different handle. here is my first attempt at a tea pot.




Here is the YouTube video that inspired me.

Part 1 - body:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=OcyiuJWu0u4

Part 2 - lid & spout:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=T-UdzbpOEtU&feature=related

Part 3 - trimming bottom:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xkf6ctZAinA&feature=related

Part 4 - attaching spout:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=4A6xougMn6U&feature=related

Part 5 - lugging the pot for a handle

http://youtube.com/watch?v=EghDNz5ChgQ&feature=related

Part 6 - cleaning and banding tips

http://youtube.com/watch?v=13JBfSPS9bk

I have so much to learn about glaze formulas. It is like being back in chemistry class. I need to understand how it all works so I can have some control over what it looks like. I recently saw a beautiful blue/green matte glaze that I want to duplicate. It was on some work at ArtWalk in San Diego.



Old piece that already had cracks. It broke when I was scrubbing it. More scrubbing after the glue dries.


Another older piece with a blue matte Cobalt glaze that I formulated. Modified a glossy recipe changing it to a matte surface. Sprayed thin coat on outside (subtle over the red clay body) and heavier on the inside (had a white slip fired inside previously).




Bisque fire Colman Porcelain clay body with incised lines filled with Mesa Red clay.

Here are the pieces after lots of scrubbing and cleaning...








That's is for today.
Let me know what you think.
Don

Pieces right after smoking them...











Part 3 coming next...

Here are the pieces with the slip and glaze before firing...