Capturing Translucency

One of the difficulties I have when photographing my work is capturing its translucency. The above image although flooded with light creates a crisp look, although it shows little translucency is and therefor far from the images I am hoping to capture. Something else to add to the to-do list!

Time for Something New!

I haven't produced much work recently but have been busy with Plaster of Paris developing some new forms and moulds. The image above is one of the new forms. I am also developing a series of setters for my work. Until now I have used the subtle distortions created by the firing process as part of the uniqueness of each piece. I am now looking at a variety of setters to use in the kiln so that, if desired, I can keep the original shape during the firing. By the end of this month all the moulds should be complete and dry and the new pieces should make an appearance.

New Ceramics Magazine

There is a new ceramics publication in cyberspace. Congrats to Deon de Lange for putting together this online magazine as well as a ceramic-focused social network.

Grab a subscription by clicking here.

5th World Ceramic Biennale, Korea

I am honoured to have this piece of mine selected for the 5th World Ceramic Biennale in Korea (CEBIKO). In total 186 pieces were selected out of 3196 pieces submitted. The exhibition will run at the Icheon World Ceramic Center from April 25th to June 21st, 2009

Rows of Blank Canvasses

These pieces have been fired to 1000 C ready to be fettled and then decorated. Because of the lack of green strength the body is first fired before any fettling is carried out using wet waterproof sanding paper. Once dry the pieces are decorated first with a wax resist and then painted with various soluble salt solutions. Thereafter the work is fired to 1250 C to achieve vitrification and translucency

New Work at Objekt

Some of my most recent work can be seen at Objekt on 7th Avenue in Parktown North, the new design hub of Johannesburg. This venue is a real treasure trove and if you haven't yet been in, a treat awaits you.

Fresh From the Kiln

These pots have just come from the kiln . I am impressed with the increased translucency in these pieces. I am forever experimenting, looking for ways of improving what I do, and this time I altered the firing schedule quite extensively. Thank goodness these things sometimes pay off!