The process of crystalline glazing starts with choosing the right clay. Porcelain is the clay that I use in all of my work. I throw each piece on the wheel, trim it and bisque fire to 1725° F. The glazes I use are all zinc silicate glazes. Zinc oxide is the ingredient that helps form crystals during the glaze firing. Zinc combined with silica creates a very runny glaze where crystals form on the surface. This happens during a period of holding the temperature for a predetermined time. The crystals grow during this phase. The size and shape of the crystal depend on this manipulation of temperature. The colors are made with different oxides either combined or used alone. The most frequent oxides I use are cobalt carbonate, copper carbonate, red iron oxide, manganese dioxide and black nickel oxide. Combining two oxides will give a ground of one color and the crystals will be another.

 Since the glazes are so runny, added precautions are taken to prevent the pots from sticking to the kiln shelves. This process consists of throwing a catcher or saucer larger than your pot. I use white stoneware with grog for this because it shrinks less than porcelain and is a lot cheaper. The saucer is bisque fired and is ready for the assembly. Every piece is fired on a pedestal that is glued to the saucer. The pot is then glued to the pedestal allowed to dry then glaze fired. The pot has to be broken off the pedestal then ground smooth on the bottom.

 All of my pieces are glazed inside with the same crystalline glaze as is on the outside if you can see inside the pot. If it is a narrow necked bottle it will have a clear glaze.

 I sign and date every piece. Each piece is unique so you will never find two exactly alike.

GALLERY