|
Smoke-fired ceramics... A traditional technique to create unique vessels!
These
special vessels are created by hand from clay.
They usually begin on the
wheel but then their shape is altered.
The clay vessel is dried to
leather-hard and carefully burnished.
Then a very fine terra sigillata
(clay slip) is applied and the vessel
is lightly burnished again. The clay
slip and the burnishing create
a "skin" on the vessel.
Lastly, the vessel is allowed to dry thoroughly.
Next,
these burnished vessels are fired in an electric kiln to a low
temperature to impart strength to the clay for the smoke-firing process.
The vessels
are then layered in a primitive outdoor kiln made of bricks.
The kiln is
also packed with sawdust.
In addition, various combustibles may be added
such as leaves,
seaweed, pine needles or cones, even dried horse
manure.
After all, this is a traditional firing method!
Once the
kiln is ignited, the vessels are left to the serendipity
of the flames and
smoke.
While the artist can influence the atmosphere of the kiln, no
vessel's fire marks and blushes of colour can ever be reproduced.
Patterns of trapped carbon and fumes from the smoke impart
subtle colour variations and mark each vessel in a unique way.
Warmth to the eye and the touch, and an appreciation of the
unique marks and colours on
each vessel, is sought by the artist
who uses this technique.
Smoke-fired vessels remain porous and will seep if filled with
liquids.
The vessels do not have a glaze on them. The satin
"skin" is a result
of burnishing.
Break
away from the tyranny of functionality! Smoke-fired vessels are for
decorative purposes only.
|
