Slip Decoration
Slip trailing is the process of using watered down clay pipe onto the clay, similarly to decorating a cake. Once fired, the slip fuses to the piece, helping to create an interactive surface for the glaze. Taking the piece from a flat surface, to demensional and full of intrigue.
Wood & Soda Fired
Wood & soda fired pieces are characterized by warm, earthy tones, glassy surfaces similar in feeling to slightly coarse stone.
The unique textured surface is developed by the interaction of wood ash and sodium vapors at temperatures exceeding 2300 degrees Fahrenheit.
By combining wood & soda firing, which are typically performed separately, I'm able to produce a nice blend of qualities from both techniques.
Carving & Sculpting
Carving is exactly as it sounds, using sharp tools, clay is removed from the surface before completely drying, to create patterns in the negative space. This process is the opposite of slip trailing which adds material, however, for many pieces, I employ both methods to create a surface with even more depth.
Using clay, I like to sculpt eyes, lips, and other facial features into some of my pieces to give them a sort of lively, human appearance. To complete the look, often times using slip trailing and carving as well.
