2019 was a turning point for my ceramic work. I began paying more attention to form and surface treatments as one instead of two separate elements. I began exploring techniques at a rapid rate, in chunks to really explore and mentally record my response. I tried conventional brush glazing, dipping, pouring, splashing, applications. I did a series of mason stain colored agate-ware, and a 12 piece dish set using mishima. 2019 was a wonderful, playful exploration.
The blue and white bowl is one of the last pieces I created with mason stains, exploring the use of colored clays. I found the minimalist approach was most satisfying for me, using a dominant color (this one is the white of the porcelain) with splashes of a contrasting selection.
Still on a quest for that one way of working that I cannot get enough of, I started to use some underglazes to combine my drawing and painting background with ceramics. I had loads of fun with these but…this was not “it” for me.
The next series of works are all using the technique of sgraffito. I lay down underglaze while the clay is unfired then carefully carve it to reveal the color of the clay. For me, that is the white of porcelain. I started carving trees, flowers, fish and other designs, all free-hand. Then I found scallops. The transition will be evident in the images. I have also recently found a second pattern of two perpendicular lines. This pattern appears in the most recent works. This is not the entire body of work but a representation. The last two cups are my most recent pieces and are now in the home of a dear friend.
