I finally got the kiln fired on Friday and was able to
unload by late Saturday afternoon. The results were mostly good with a few
pieces just not making the grade, but that is to be expected. The two altered
and paddled vases made it through the firing and each has something different
to say. The larger of the two came out mostly a tempered green with hints of
browns and greens intermixed. The smaller vase came out with a wider array of
surface effects from rich green areas where the glaze pooled to running
waterfalls (taki) at the lugs where the glaze built up and flowed down freely
in a cascade of varying hues. I am constantly amazed at what can be done with
Oribe style glazes and copper in particular and each and every firing adds
another chapter to the mystery of possibilities, not only about the surfaces
but what one person can make with nothing more than a lump of wet clay, a
handful of different powders and a little heat.
"It is the dim haze of mystery that adds enchantment to
pursuit." Antoine Rivarol
(1753-1801)
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