Although most of these have gone through glazing, I had to share this photo that I found last night:

(I cannot take credit for the the two coil pots in the foreground. They are from a cousin’s father-son afternoon that were fired with this batch).

Bisqued pots are full of promise. These can be any colour and any combination of techniques. I can use stroke n’ coats to paint detailed landscapes or dip them in a rich earthy glaze, coat them in rich red or pale ocean blue. I can wax resist layers of glaze or add strokes of another glaze onto the first.  I can honestly say that I am always engaged by the glazing process because, although I only work with a limited number of coloured glazes, the combinations and methods are limitless.

Bisque also symbolizes risk for me because glazing has always been my biggest challenge – if I don’t take enough care and wipe the bases, there will be a glaring stroke of glaze staring at me forever, spoiling an otherwise perfect pot. I have learned to slow down but I find it a struggle. I love the adrenaline rush with throwing, fast and furious yet glazing must be slow and studious.

Clay isn’t just a hobby. It is my teacher.

’til next time,

-Cara