This is the gas kiln where I'm currently taking Ceramics I. It takes about 12 hours to get to temperature and as you can see, it is always filled to capacity. This is the first time I've been able to do gas firings to cone 10 so I was excited and thrilled to be able to help in the unloading.
This piece is one of a series where I started out with a small pinch pot before coiling it to the height and shape I envisioned. The glaze is called 100 year old Scotch and is a rutile. Very shiny and pretty. If I had to do it over again I wouldn't hold it in the glaze quite so long.
I could have put a handle on this but it is not very big and is easy to hold in one hand. This also began as a small pinch pot, then I began applying coils.
This was done the same way but I was aiming for a different shape. The coiled opening was more spontaneous than anything else.
This is the big one I have been working on all semester. It dried too quickly and the hairline cracks got a bit bigger in the final firing, but it held together. It won't hold water but it might hold a few umbrellas.
Natalie,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on new work; you are very tenacious and it shows. I admire your staying with the process and creating such cool pots.
Joan Tucker
PS. Linda at Blue Star Gallery is also taking the pottery making process very seriously and her pots are also terrific. Joan Tucker, Off Center Productions
Thanks, Joan. :) I'm taking the class next semester, too. I like being around other potters and a studio environment keeps me on track. At home I tend to get a bit scattered and not finish projects.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to taking a look at Linda's pots. Thanks for telling me about her.
Natalie