Wood fired bowl vase

A hand built piece, formed as a partially enclosed bowl that can be used as a decorative piece in its own right, or as a vase or pot for flowers. Made using a heavily grogged clay, and built by forcing the clay out from the centre, letting the surface of the clay on the outside stretch, fracture and split. The surface is then enhanced during firing, as the recesses are protected from the ash and flames, and so have a lighter finish.

All wood fired pieces are fired in a classical anagama kiln. They are placed unglazed into the kiln, which is fired for 10 days up to almost 1300 degrees (Celsius), and then the kiln is shut up and left to cool for a week before it can be opened up. All texture and colour on the clay is a result of the play of the heat, flames and wood ash swirling around the kiln.

The piece has had a transparent matt glaze applied to the inside, to ensure that it is fully watertight.