Crystalline Glazed Porcelain

Each piece is wheel thrown using a porcelain clay body; signed and dated.  An additional ring base is thrown, along with a glaze catch basin made especially for each form.  All glazes are studio formulated with raw materials, including a liner glaze, making each piece functional and watertight.  By mixing different oxides or rare earths into the glaze a wide range of crystal colors can be achieved.  With a carefully controlled firing schedule, the zinc oxide in the glaze will chemically bond with the silica; forming random patterns of zinc silicate crystals within the glaze.  Any one variable not met in the glazing or firing technique will result in poor crystal formation; giving this process a very high loss rate, which in turn makes each piece rare and unique. The final process is to chisel or cut the base ring and catch basin from each piece, then grind the bottoms on a fine grit diamond wheel to a create a smooth finish.

The crackling and crazing you may see is an inherent characteristic of a crystalline glaze due to the extreme fluctuation of kiln temperatures.  It in no way reduces the integrity or  value of the work; instead giving it more interest.

Each crystal has such iridescence and depth; complimenting the classic pottery form and the smoothness of porcelain.