Alternative fired ceramics
Every artist looks to find the one technique that suits them, and there are a myriad of styles and substances a potter could choose - rather than choose a style where I create every colour and every shape, I chose to let nature and the elements create the finish.
By using fire and combustible materials, a technique dating back to the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians, I can create colours and patterns that defy imagination. And despite using no glazes, I have been able to achieve a smooth, delicate texture that invites you to touch.
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How alternative firing produces beautiful designs entirely at random
Natural ingredients, recyclable materials, ancient methods
This technique was honed by multiple ancient civilisations, and it is my hope to share and preserve these techniques with you.
I tend to wheel throw and hand build, predominantly using porcelain clays. After drying to a leather harness, they are then turned on a wheel to refine their shape - in some cases, I actually work to mis-shape them so as to push the clay as far as it will go.
After turning, a Terra Sigillata (meaning 'sealed earth') is applied and the pot is burnished to create a glossy sheen. The ceramics are then placed in a bisque firing at 950 degrees.
I use recycled and a variety of wood, hay, sawdust as well as combustibles like banana skins, coffee grounds, copper wire, dried flower heads, salt - all of which play a key role in creating beautiful, natural patterns and colours. The barrel is then stacked with the pots placed in a clay Saggar.
The Saggar is placed in the centre of the barrel fire, which gets fed continuously for about 2 hours to keep the heat as high as possible.
The lid then goes on and barrel is left to burn down and cool overnight. It is vital to resist the temptation to open the lid early but the wait is well worth it.
You can then remove the finished pots, clean them and apply a beeswax polish to finish.
No pot is ever the same, making every design entirely unique, with the differing combinations of materials and the randomness of the flames creating a set of truly special piece of fine art.