I really enjoy the
challenges and use of iron in glazing. I have an iron red glaze that can be
used thin, like a wash to temper the surfaces of a glaze, like the Oribe and
when used thick, it creates cascading waterfalls of streaks that I liken to
matsukawa, pine bark. I first saw this matsukawa style in the works of
Tsukigata Nahiko and was very interested in the effects and set about to do my
best to recreate the look. Over time and experimentation, I was able to get the
iron to not only behave in a certain way, but also to travel in predetermined
pathways based on textures applied to the wet clay or through the use of slips.
Illustrated is a oval teabowl with a diagonal bark texture which channels the iron
diagonally around the bowl adding to its sense of momentum. The variation in
tones from the amber of the texture high points and the lip to the running
olive, iron red and mustardy yellow add to the visual texture as well creating
a rich matsukawa pattern that compliments the bowl both visually and
texturally. From my perspective, the iron has done its job.
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