How it's done

Most of the work is done in the majolica technique-using a terra cotta clay body with a tin oxide opacified glaze and overglaze decoration.The tin oxide in the glaze yields a white base for applying colors.

 

 

This platter has been fired once (bisque fired) to harden the clay making it durable to accept the white glaze. At this stage, the design of the image has been penciled on top of the glaze. 

 

Overglazes are now painted in layers on top of the white glaze.

 

 This is the completed piece after the glaze firing.

 

 

Donation Pieces

 

 

 

 Some of the pieces (like this donation piece), are done on a white low-fire clay body, decorated with underglazes, bisque fired, then glaze fired with clear.

 

The effects are different with each type of process. The overglaze on glaze produces a satin finish to the surface. The underglaze technique produces a high gloss finish. It is harder to blend and acquire a watercolor look to the finished piece with this method.

 

Artist's statement (Why I do it)

I attended Louisiana State University to study ceramic arts with Joe Bova and Linda Arbuckle. Exposure to these two and the numerous, wonderful visiting artists instilled a passion for all things creatively wrought. Their plethora of information, ideas, and techniques were bases for forging students’ ideas into reality.

Beauty should be an integral part of everyday life. Central to the production of these functional one-of-a-kind items is the notion we savor our everyday experiences and we should enhance them with the items we surround ourselves.The imagery is taken directly from the environment and experiences.