MOSTLY BLACK & WHITE

Having worked with a number of potters and at different locations has a large number of advantages. In essence, you learn all along the way and pick up neat tricks and glazes as you go. What you do with these new techniques and surfaces is up to you. Over time, you can process this input by putting it into a blender and out comes something different than it was when you first picked it up.


Illustrated is a large, about 24” platter made of stoneware that combines a number of influences. The crackle slip comes from Randy Johnston, via Warren MacKenzie, the ash glaze over the slip is from Kirk Mangus and the vivid black overglaze cames from Warren as well. The decoration comes from years of studying and absorbing Zen ink paintings, especially from Nakahara Nantembo (1839-1925). Though I relied on a variety of sources, the platter comes together as something that I have to say. Using what has come before to create something original is the best that I can ask for.