Ceramics demands its own process, its own time. Making it teaches me patience, to be “here and now”, not to rush.
First I take the clay and model it (it has to be well wedged, with the right moisture and plasticity). Sometimes I only prepare the “parts” and carry on the next day. Other times I just rough out the shape. Every molecule of air, even one invisible to the eye, can make the piece crack in the kiln.
When the piece has its final shape, I let it dry a little and refine it (dry and wet). Then I let it dry completely, “bone dry”. Any moisture would make the piece burst in the kiln… Drying time depends on the size of the piece, its thickness and the modelled layer – a small cup takes about a week, a baking dish for bread (and more), especially the lid, which is more complicated and thicker, may need 2–3 weeks.
Then it goes into the kiln for the first bisque firing (usually 950 degrees Celsius). The firing, including the kiln cooling down, takes about 17 hours.
When I want to bring out details, I apply “burel”. The piece goes back into the kiln (the same cycle).
And then I can glaze. I apply the glaze very carefully, bit by bit. In two layers, after the first one has dried.
It goes into the kiln on the glaze programme (usually 1050 degrees Celsius). The firing, including cooling, takes about 20 hours.
Sometimes the glaze needs touching up in places, and the piece goes into the kiln again.
At every stage of this process (even though I have done it 101 times) something can go wrong.
That is why handwork is so unique and asks for patience and understanding from me and from you :o)
The times given are therefore approximate (the number of orders and classes at the time also plays a role, as do my health and family situation). I mostly make pieces to order, as the customer wishes; I rarely have “something in reserve” in stock.
I do, however, have pieces with small or larger imperfections that do not affect how they work. If you are interested in such a one-of-a-kind piece, do not hesitate to contact me.