Tea-Bowls 20 – 23

Posted on April 8, 2014 by Cat Sheridan

I really enjoy the variety of this group. I formed #20 with legs from a single slab of clay (a nice change of approach and a good challenge on keeping it loose) #21 is an actual tumbler with a rounded bottom (webble-wobble and all) #22 is really tight, clean, and symmetrical and #23 is the largest I’ve stretched the size of the tea-bowl with a soft bulge of silhouette and hint of a lip. Having this much variety in such a small group of tea-bowls makes me anxious to see how far I can push the form for the remaining 77! For those curious, the white powder you see on the forms is actually cornstarch; I use it as a barrier so the clay doesn’t stick to surfaces when i’m hand building.

Float Blue Glaze

Posted on March 14, 2014 by Cat Sheridan

Float Blue glaze has been the most popular of the glazes I’ve used. I find the variety of vibrant colors within the glaze quite interesting. As you’ll see in all of the pieces in this post, something as simple as a little texture or whether it’s geometric or more angular changes the way the color manifests.

I was unable to find much in the way of history on this glaze which makes me think it’s one that’s been developed within the last century if not the last 50-30 years.

coffee mug

espresso mug

tumblers

shot glass

tumbler

cup

tall glass

set

nesting

Jun Ware

Posted on February 28, 2014 by Cat Sheridan

Jun Ware also has a deep rich history, originating in China in the first century. It typically shows as a brilliant sky blue and a bit thicker than most glazes which allows for some really interesting possibilities for controlled (or uncontrolled) drips. If you’d like to read more on Jun Ware, you can find great resources here: http://gotheborg.com/glossary/jun.shtml and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jun_ware

excellent glaze movement and small embellishments in the handles.

Simple elegant handles. Movement and play in the glaze.

excellent glaze movement and resting drips.

Large box with handle embellishments

with handle embellishments

Orange Red

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Cat Sheridan

The Orange Red glaze used on these pieces was developed by techs at CCAD. This is one of my very favorite glazes for its near matte finish and variance in color. The deep red is so inviting and lush it reminds me a bit of red velvet cake.

Oribe

Posted on February 7, 2014 by Cat Sheridan

Oribe glaze has a long history with it’s roots in Japan. If you’d like to dig a bit deeper and see a wide variety of examples of Oribe I suggest this Pinterest board. What I like most about Oribe is how it highlights texture and catches in grooves giving great contrast and visual interest in pieces.