Clay

Hand building wet clay takes huge patience. It must be built into a form but done in such a way the clay can support its own weight. The walls must be of the same thickness or during firing there will be uneven temperatures which can cause parts to expand at different rates causing failures.

The damp leather stage is where I can add extra clay to the surface or manipulate the form as a whole. This can’t be done too soon or too late or will introduce cracks or the texture will run flat or fall off during the drying stage.

Drying is tricky and changes throughout the year depending on temperature and humidity. Drying too fast will cause cracks that are obvious or even worse they will not show themselves until a ‘ting’ can be heard inside the kiln.

Final finishing and glazing of green ware is very delicate. It is so easy to get this far along and accidentally hold the piece incorrectly. It will break clean through or simply fall into pieces. I’m relieved once a work is glazed, signed and dry