Glazed Functional Art Vase

Finally glazed this piece which was a little tricky and I am very happy with how it came out.  I used three different glazes ( a shino type glaze, a tenmoku, and a rutile blue glaze).  The reaction and images that it invokes in people are exactly what I was looking for.

Functional Art Vases

I have been working on some larger functional art vases.  This is a design that I just recently finished. I actually got inspiration for the design from some folded cardboard that came in a shipping box.  The size of the folds and sections worked out perfectly.  I used the cardboard as the template and then let the slabs of clay take on the shape of the folded cardboard.  Once the clay was dry enough to work with I assembled the two pieces.  After finishing, the piece reminded me of the surrounding mountains.

Fall Colors and Red Glazes

This is a beautiful time of year here in Lake Arrowhead.  The fall colors are magical.  On our property we have various leaves that are changing into absolutely beautiful reds.  When I look at these leaves I dream of making glazes that replicate these red colors.  Based on the type of firing that I do, oxidation, it is very hard to get beautiful reds that have depth to them and make you go wow!  After I get done making pieces for the First Friday Show at the Lake House in December, I will be experimenting with a few red glaze recipes and slow cooling the kiln so that I can achieve a red similar to this.

Here are a few pictures of the leaves in the yard that have given me inspiration and happiness as I walk through the yard every day.