Process

My work is wheel thrown and altered using stoneware clay.  I enjoy incorporating elements of texture and pattern into my work that I carve, impress or stamp into the clay at specific stages of the making. After each form is complete, when the clay is at a drying stage we call leather-hard, the pieces are each dipped into flashing slips. These thin clay slips will flash warm earth tones from the soda or wood firing.  Once the pots are bone dry, they are bisque fired, glazed, wadded, and loaded into the kiln. The hand carved patterns and textures in my work are direct reflections of the nature surrounding me.  I strive to bring this awareness of the beauty of nature full circle, directly into the hands of the user of my functional pots.  

Most of my work is fired in a soda gas kiln to cone 10.  During the end of the firing, a soda ash mixture is stoked into the kiln.  The soda ash vaporizes and travels throughout the kiln, landing on the pots stacked within the shelves. The soda acts as a glaze on the pots, creating variation and directional tones within the clay surfaces.  After the firing, the kiln cools for two days before the unloading begins!

We also have a train kiln that is fired with wood for 48 hours. I love exploring forms in this type of firing to see how the atmosphere and ash react to my patterns and forms.

Visit my Instagram feed to see process shots, inspirations and other things around the studio! Follow me @joytannerpottery