Saturday, November 30, 2013

Frosted Bowl





photo: dj gilder

I forget the names of the glazes and when I made this. 

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Friday, November 22, 2013

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Mug: Yellow and Purple

photo: dj gilder


Forget when I made this, maybe 2010?
Double dipped - the bottom is cushing yellow, can't remember the name of the purple...
 

Tree and Swing; K-series: Mugs



Made in Prague, 2011


Making a bottle in Korea














photos: Katy Hugz


info: firing tips for saggar and raku

 "The saggar firing is more successful if the saggars are similar to the size and shape of your pot. A tall vase will require two elongated bowl shapes, or one very tall saggar with a shallow bowl lid. A small pot round pot needs a smaller round saggar. For the best results, allow at least an inch of air space between your saggar wall and the sides of your pot. The amount of air space on the top of the saggar is not as critical, and variations in space provide variations in your finished pot. Typically, you should have at least an inch to about 5 inches of space above the pot.

The walls of the saggar are thrown to about ¹/8 to ¼ of an inch thick. A consistent thickness throughout the saggar walls helps to prevent cracking during the firing process. Even so, the saggars will eventually crack. The crack can be patched with kiln cement and used until they completely fall apart. The saggars are bisque fired to cone 08–06."

More info here


Saturday, November 16, 2013

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Milk and Cookies mug

photo: dj gilder


Can't remember exactly when I made this one either, nor do I remember which glazes I used.
But it was a challenge presented to me. Had fun making it.  
I called it "milk and cookies" even though I have crackers in there. 


Tuesday, November 12, 2013

raku bottle

photo: dj gilder

Bottle thrown then carved.
Raku fired with a mixed sand glaze
Height: appx. 6-7 in.

info: Making a living as a potter

Diana Fayt says:

"I sell my work through a multitude of venues. I have an online shop where I sell directly to customers. This has broadened my spectrum of buyers to a world market. It also helps to supplement my income, since I can sell my work for retail prices. I love having direct contact with my customers as well. The relationship aspect of selling my work, without a middle person, is really wonderful and I enjoy knowing where my work is going. I participate in a couple of local craft shows each year, and I host annual studio and holiday sales. I sell my work in galleries and participate in as many shows as I can handle. I find showing my work really helps it to stay fresh. In the past, a large part of my sales were from wholesaling my work, though that model is really tough to pull off with one-of-a-kind handmade work. I find the time it takes to make the work, handle all the details that must go into creating a wholesale line-like keeping up with communication and paperwork-is far too much work and really does not pay off.

[...]

If I were to advise someone about pursuing a career in ceramics, the first bit would be to remain flexible yet focused. Though my work stays consistent, I find that I am constantly re-inventing myself in order to make a living with it. I do my best to keep an open mind about this. There really are a multitude of possibilities out there for one to have a career as a ceramist. Being too precious or limited in ones thinking can kill that dream."

Source: advice from the experts

 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Hive

photo: dj gilder

Thrown bottle and then carved to give it this texture.
Stands about 7-8 inches I think
Made around 2008-09, maybe 2007
Always thought I should try and make a bigger version. The 15-20% shrink from wet to glazed form took away some of its intended effect.   

Black 'n Pink

Before:

After:

photo: dj gilder

The bottle is raku fired and stands about 6 inches.
The bottom part of the bottle is glazed in a crackle type glaze (I forget the exact name)
The top is without any glaze, which comes out black. 
It was then soaked in baby oil to give it the glossy look. I glued the pebble on. The paint is acrylic, the rose is real, dried, painted and sprayed with acrylic gloss. 
Made sometime between 06-08 I think  

Eucalyptus and a Green Rose



photos: dj gilder


Don't quite remember when I made the bottle. 
Thrown on the wheel then carved to give it texture, then glazed in AA Copper.
The rose is dried and painted with acrylic.  

Friday, November 1, 2013

Bottle


Pardon the dust >.<
This piece stands at about 12 inches.
Carved and stained with Red-Iron Oxide