Though I use several commercially
available clays, my terra cotta is my own formula as are several other
stoneware clays that I use. Recently I have been making up small batches of an
iron bearing stoneware, formulated back at CSU and Kent State to use for some of my on
going Oribe pieces. Made in batches of about 50 lbs at a time it isn't such a
major chore and since I mix it up to a pudding consistency, I then firm it up
on plaster and have clay ready to use in about a week so proper planning makes
everything work quite a bit better. The real reason I like this clay is that it
has a tough quality to it; I can throw it, dry it out, tool it, get it bone
dry and in a bisque all in the same day which makes testing much easier
and even quicker if I use my test kiln so it is ready to glaze the next day. I built another short
slideshow video of two more impressed texture Oribe bowls using the bisque tile
that created the first of this group. The texture is a bit finer but the
overall decoration really creates an interesting surface to my eye and helps activate
the glaze and a variety of nuances that go along with the use of copper and
iron. The two recent teabowls are both tall, full pieces to maximize the
texture and glaze with just the right curve to the body and inviting roll to
the lip. With each bowl, I get a little bit better leaving only 9998 more to
go. "No matter where you go,
there you are."Buckaroo Banzai
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