Maturation of Clay and the making of things
"Understanding the materials I work with... gives me a deeper understanding of my place. And it's helped me make sense of the changes that are happening to me as I grow older."
~Andy Goldsworthy
Still making bowls and glazing them simply. I am working my way through leftover black clay I had used to make bases for some sculptural work couple of years ago. I love how it looks with just tenmoku and a light spray of RIO. Tenmoku on this clay is so rich and active. It fires to a lovely satin with silver streaks (doesn't show in this photo) and some rusty spots. This same tenmoku on stoneware or porcelain is glossier with more brown highlights. It does have a trade-off---this clay will bloat if fired too slow or too hot or too long. The only understanding we have is this--I will program the kiln appropriately, cross my fingers and hope. Reflecting my own maturation as a maker of clay things.
Love your simple bowls and tenmoku is one of my favorite glazes. I used to glaze some of my bowls with tenmoku on the outside with a beautiful light green on the inside. I have not worked with a black clay - would be nice to be able to hold that bowl . . .
ReplyDeleteAnd yes one can only hope -even with all the skills of maturation with the materials - hope is needed while firing!
Yes, that must be a beautiful combo. I also love oribe. This clay is a wonder to throw, but the firing is where some problems can show.
ReplyDeleteWould you pleeeeease upload a photo to show us the sliver streaks! : )
ReplyDeleteOkay I will try! ;)
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