Fresh Out Of The Kiln- Our Latest Batch of Stoneware Pottery
They Survived! And even better the (somewhat experimental) combinations of glazes I used came out beautifully-
So for this large batch of pieces I used a dark, red stoneware clay called “Brooklyn Red”. This clay is heavy, groggy and due to the iron oxide content will stain anything it touches (before firing of course). It’s actually the kind of clay used to make red bricks and in is incredibly durable once fired. It is great for hand building pieces as it has minimal shrinkage during drying and and attached parts really hold together.
I also love this clay as it gives you a rich, dark ground to work off of- perfect for the metallic glazes I wanted to use for these pieces-
I used 2 different combinations of Potter Choice Glazes from Amaco. In group one I applied 2 thick layers of Saturation Gold to the piece. Then I coated that in a blotchy layer of Temmoku (a dark, translucent brown/black glaze) and Saturation Metallic. After those layers dried I applied a little more saturation gold to the edges and rims of each piece for a little pop of gold.
During firing the glazes melded beautifully. In the areas with a thinner layer of Saturation Gold the glaze developed a dark bronze coloration that flashes iridescent blue when viewed at certain angles. The splotches of Temmoku and Saturation Metallic gave silvery, pewter-like touches and in areas where the Saturation Gold pooled and dripped you can see these patches of rich gold with little coppery flecks.
In the second group (which turned out to be my fav) I applied a couple thin layers of Saturation Metallic glaze over the dried clay body then a splotchy layer of Temmoku with thick blotches of Saturation Gold.
This combination of glazes developed a rich and complex black metallic finish with patches of pewter and ancient bronze. On these little dishes I made with torn edges (the clay had started to dry out and had become unmanageable) the finish almost makes them look like shards of a meteorite-
It’s always nice when an experiment turns out even better results than you were expecting!
A potential macaroni vase[/caption]
Two incense holders and a strange cornucopia shaped dish[/caption]
A slightly different view-
Alas-only one of the Red Oak leaf shaped dishes survived- but the finish on it is perfect.
I love how the Temmoku underglaze interacted with the Satin Matte Red Glaze.The mottled effect is almost a dead ringer for real fallen oak leaves.
Most of the Sugar Maple trees in the woods behind my parent’s house turn a pale gold mottled with brown and orange similar to the finish on these dishes.
Ceramic leaf shaped dishes in shades of Autumn Scarlet, Gold and Celadon Green mottled with brown.
The bright acid-green coloration of the Chartreuse Finish is not exaggerated.
The shapes of these napkin holders reminds me of coralline algae. I love how the Celadon Green glaze on this piece turned out.
The green and blue coloration of these pieces mesh well with their leafy, coral-like forms.
“Woodland Scene XXIII”- Original painting by MJ Seal. Acrylic on board, 11 1/4″ x 13 1/2″. C. 2017
“Woodland Scene XXII”- Original painting by MJ Seal. Acrylic on board, 13″ x 11 1/4″. C. 2017