June 2012

Each piece is sculpted in low fire earthenware clay fired to cone 04.

Most pieces fire to a white finish but I do use terra cotta on occasion, which fires to a reddish brown finish. I leave as much of the piece as possible hollow to encourage faster drying time, lighter finished work and a gentler firing process.

While still wet I engage in mark making techniques using stamps and various tools to impress the clay and create the various textures. I do this to hold the layers of colors I will add after the first firing which will add the depth and shadows to the pieces.

Recently, I have been experimenting with soaking fabrics in slip and layering the fabric on the figures. While this makes the piece somewhat fragile it also creates beautiful textures. Following the bisque firing I begin to layer colors on the piece using underglazes. Each piece is fired 3 times or until the desired colors have been achieved. By firing in between each layer of color the effect is made permanent and the subsequent layers simply add to the outcome I am creating.

Before the final firing I cover the piece in a watered down clear coat glaze used to emphasize the colors and highlight particular areas of the piece. All non-clay elements are added after the final firing.

One of the joys of creating is the constant unfolding of new ideas and the ability to expand emotionally and experiment with new materials and techniques. I am currently working with a cone 5 paper clay to see what effect this will have on the pieces.