The Process of Creating Ceramic Sculptures

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The process of creating my ceramic sculptures always begins with my sketchbook.  I draw out the vision of each piece and then create two shapes cut out of leather hard slabs. After the initial construction, I refine the form further with the use of ribs, sponges, burnishing stones, and often carving tools. Sometimes slips and stains are added at this point. I carefully dry my pieces over a few weeks and then follow with a bisque firing to cone 04.

Then comes the fun part, the finishing! Wood-fired ceramics have always fascinated me and I have been fortunate enough to have access to an anagama kiln. About two to three times a year my friends and I get together and fire our pieces for an entire week on end. It is a lengthy and weary process, though the end results are beyond belief. The best part is, you never know what will emerge when you open the kiln door five days later.