Slate Pots
I created a series of thrown stoneware pots with slate inclusions. This slate was found when doing some landscaping in my garden, it’s most likely just a shard of roof tile but I liked the idea of finding it in the ground.
Looking at artists like Deiniol Williams, I thought I’d try it out for myself and chuck in some slate pieces to my pots. From doing a few test tiles last semester, I found the slate bubbles and melts in the reduction kiln at 1300’c. Therefore, these pots were fired in reduction. I also saw this as an opportunity to explore some other developing ideas.
I wanted to progress forward using elements of bold and contrasting colour. I decided to begin with a red underglaze and apply it minimally, in a deliberate style. The selective areas of red added drama to the pieces and created some visual tension in contrast to the elemental quality of the slate. I also used a glaze pencil to draw some fine line marks. This created a delicacy within the pots and adds an element of personal touch. Additionally, I used black engobe on some and painted it on with a stick. This created an unintentional method to mark making- contrasting the glaze pencil and underglaze application. I finished off the bowls with transparent glaze in some areas, knowing it turned a blue-ish colour in the reduction kiln.
Overall, these became very experimental and showcased a few ideas I was exploring at the time and still developing today. As a series of pots, they all hold different qualities yet work in a unified manner together.
Thrown pots
Pots with slate inclusions thrown in at the end- using grogged stoneware clay and added marks using a knife whilst on wheel.
With glazes, underglazes, glaze pencil and engobe ready for reduction kiln.
Collection of ‘Slate Pots’ after the reduction firing.
