About the Work
As you visit the galleries, or see us at a show, you will experience the range of the work. Much is wheel thrown, some is hand built. Pieces are often very large and dramatic. Others are somewhat small and exquisite. This work is characterized by the interaction of form with fire, and this marriage of precision with random forces produces remarkable art.
The majority of this pottery is intended as art; that is, it belongs on display rather than in the kitchen doing utilitarian duty. This is due to the type of clays and glaze elements used in the Raku firing processes. Traditionally fired and glazed pieces, are often food safe. For custom orders, we can accomodate requests for functional kitchenware.
Our work is available through custom order or can be selected at our scheduled shows. Finished pieces are also available for purchase by appointment at the studios (the selection will vary according to the work in progress). Because experimentation is a key ingredient of the art, visit this site and our shows frequently to see what we are up to in the studio.
The Material
The nature of the art results from an ongoing experimentation with different materials and methods. Astonishing results occur from new mixtures of classic wheel thrown forms and different applications of firing and finishing. Each piece is one of a kind, even when the forms and materials hold constant.
I use both modern electric kilns and raku firing methods, with the appropriate clay bodies and glazes for each. Organic materials are often called for in these processes, including straw and horse hair. For more information about the techniques, watch for demonstration events hosted by the Nature Coast Potters.