I need to post more blogs LOL I need to use it more for my thought process and journal writing. Sometimes, I feel like I lack the necessary writing skills, which makes it difficult for me to write. As a result, I often avoid it. However, I have decided to embrace technology and downloaded a writing app to see if it can help me write more and overcome my writing insecurities.
Now, let's get back to the studio! Lately, my main focus has been on ceramics. I've been dedicating a lot of my time to the Raku finishes. Here are three processes I've been focusing on. Horse Hair Horse Hair is a special technique where horse hair is used to decorate the surface. Basically, the idea is to burn the hairs onto the surface to create lines. Hairs are laid upon a hot surface, that have just come out from the kiln, they will burn onto the pieces leaving localized carbon marks. Naked Raku The Naked Raku technique is a unique form of Raku pottery that allows for the creation of stunning patterns. There are two forms of naked Raku: the two-step technique (using resist slip and glaze) and the one-step technique (using resist slip only)..Note that the resist slip is different in both techniques. The clay used for this type of naked raku is thin and porous, allowing smoke to penetrate inside. As a result, the finished piece does not have any glaze on it. What you see is the natural, unadorned clay. It's an organic method that utilizes the elements of fire, water, air, and earth (in the form of clay). Pit Firing Pit firing is the original method of "baking" clay. It dates back nearly 30,000 years ago. Typically, this process is done in a hole in the ground, or a pit, where pots are placed and burned. Pit firing is an atmospheric process where all the colors and patterns are derived from what is consumed in the fire. When items are burned, they transform into vapor and swirl around the pieces in the pit. If the pieces are heated enough to open their pores, the colored vapor will enter and remain within the pores. Otherwise, the pottery will not have any color except for black, gray, or white. There are several variations on how to perform a pit fire. My main interest has been pit firing. I have been using and experimenting with various chemicals and organic materials, employing a saggar technique. A saggar is a container used to enclose or protect the ware being fired inside a kiln during the firing process. Saggars have been used to protect ware from open fire, smoke, gases, and kiln debris. I use this technique where I create a bed of sawdust in the container, place the chemicals on top, and then put it into the pit-fire. This process helps me achieve the desired look and feel on my ceramics. it makes it look like an unearthed relic, something that was lost and now found.The colors are earthy and matte, and I absolutely adore the soft and vibrant hues they create.I enjoy the process and if my pieces break, I usually put them back together. Lately, I've been using Raku clay for my pieces, and I've noticed that they are staying intact. This is really cool, but it's also changing everything. I had a lot of fun putting the broken pieces back together after they fell apart. It also gave it a more sculptural element as well. I believe we should continue exploring pit firing and experimenting with different forms to see where it leads us. Recently, I made the exciting purchase of a slab roller, which has opened up a world of possibilities for me. I have been using slabs to create stunning sculptural elements in my work. Lately, I have been creating smaller elements and weaving them together like building blocks, incorporating intricate weaving patterns. Some of this influence has come from working alongside JonPaul Smith. Watching and studying his work has been fascinating to me. I always enjoy his intricate weaving pieces and the creative ways he transforms them. His work is more 2D, but I'm eager to explore the realm of 3D and see what I can create. I'm almost done putting together the first of many prototypes to take to CoreClay and have it fired. It’s a small piece but it’s a start. I am excited to start exploring metal leafing on my ceramics. I have aluminum and copper leaf ready for application. I also have a free-form bowl ready to go, but I admit I am a little nervous because it's difficult to envision how it will look or interact with the ceramics. However, I am eagerly embracing the creative process and looking forward to the unique outcomes it will bring. I also have some smaller pieces that I am curious to start working on. I believe that I just need to dive in and do it. Learning and failing are all part of life's journey. Signing off, and hopefully, I will write again sooner rather than later.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
October 2023
|