Process
Creating a piece of ceramics is a slow and thoughtful process that unfolds through
many stages. It requires patience and care – from the shaping of the clay, through the delicate drying and firing to the final glaze. Every step plays a vital role in shaping the character and expression of the finished work.
Every piece begins with raw clay. I knead and weigh each portion before throwing it on the wheel. Once shaped, the piece is left to dry overnight. The next day, I trim the base and add my maker’s mark. For mugs, the handle is carefully crafted and attached by hand.
After this, each piece is left to dry slowly for 1–2 weeks to avoid cracks during firing.
Once fully dry, the kiln is loaded for the first firing – a bisque firing at 950°C. This takes about 24 hours from start to cool-down.
After bisque firing, the base of each piece is brushed with wax to resist glaze during the
next stage. Each item is then glazed by hand, cleaned, and carefully placed back in the kiln.
The final firing, known as the glaze firing, reaches 1250°C and takes around two days from
heating to cool-down. Once the kiln is unloaded, every base is sanded smooth. Now the piece is ready to be carefully packed and sent off to its new home.
