Wax Resist on Bone China

When using wax resist on my work I find it easier to see the design if I add a one or two coloured candles to the mix. The mix I use is 2 parts candles to 1 part paraffin (kerosene), The mixture is heated to a liquid and brushed on to the work. Take care not to overheat the mixture as it is highly flammable.

Once the wax is applied the piece is washed with a solution of Cobalt Chloride and fired to 1260^oC giving the result seen here.

Latex Resist Technique

This is the first of a series of 'how-I-work'  posts.
Here I use rubber latex as a resist method that I apply with a squeeze bottle(see insert in image). After applying the designs rinse out the nozzle with water.

The image shows a few bone china pieces with trailed resist decoration. Once the latex is dry I apply a soluble salt solution, in this case a 10% solution of cobalt chloride and fire to 1260^oC

The fired piece showing the fine line created by latex resist

Communication 2

This is a brief tag on to yesterday's thoughts. I am sitting at the computer while listening to Kath Bloom's most recent album 'Terror'. I am completely seduced by it. This is by no stretch of of the imagination mainstream music. For me the appeal is the complete honesty not only of the music but also in the performance, the baring of the heart which in turn registers deep within me. This is what I would call true communication. 

The ceramics of Sandy Brown elicit a similar response in me. 

It takes courage to stand in these places of extremely personal expression.

Look at Sandy Brown's work and give a listen to Kath Bloom.

What are your thoughts on this?

Communication

It’s ultimately all about communicating. No matter what creative endeavour occupies our time we are doing it to communicate. Sometimes it is a specific message we want to convey, and sometimes it’s like shouting out to whoever’s listening “Hey notice me!”

I have been considering my work lately with the idea of communication in mind. Looking at what precisely I want to communicate through my work.

Particularly when I am decorating my pots I feel I am in touch with an aspect of the unconscious. In this place I experience vulnerability coupled with the freedom and joy of self expession. I am hoping that this is transmitted to the viewer of my work in some way, and if it is then the communication is successful.

Roundup of the Past Week

This is one of the pieces that is on the exhibition 'Ceramic Convergence' now on at OBJEKT in Parktown North, Johannesburg.

My work on show at the Ceramics Southern Africa display at Decorex in Johannesburg

A view of the 'Ikons' exhibit at Decorex in Johannesburg

Ikons at Decorex Johannesburg

This year I was honoured to be chosen as one of the Ikons of South African craft at Decorex Johannesburg. Each of the 17 Ikons selected had a panel on show together with a selection of their work. The total effect was quite stunning and this is the panel that was produced for me.

A Convergence, an Exhibit and a Display

What a week this promises to be! Firstly I am part of the exhibition 'Ceramic Convergence' together with friend and colleague Eugene Hon as well as Lesley Anne Hoets and Gemma Orkin. The exhibition opens on Thursday 6.00pm at Objekt in Parktown North, Johannesburg, South Africa. If you are in the vicinity come and take a look at this most exciting show.

Secondly on the same date, I am honoured to have been asked to be a part of the 'South African Craft Icons' show at Decorex. And finally also at Decorex on the 6th my work will be on show at the Ceramics S A display.