Stone hot!

This is my first attempt at stoneware. It might be my favourite piece so far. Stoneware can to be fired at higher temperatures to earthenware (I've been using terracotta and white clay). Because it can be fired at such high temperatures (around 1300°c) it vitrifies which means that it becomes kind of waterproof. Other clays such as terracotta are quite porous. I've actually been finding out about this at school, as the Science teachers are working with my Technology students.

Anyway, this also opens up loads of possibilities for glazes. Since joining Auckland Studio Potters I have been able to use a large array of glazes. For my white pottery, I've been using this incredible turquoise glaze, as well as interesting greens and blues. With stoneware, I've been exploring 'chun', copper red and pale blue. This is the result!

Unlike underglazes, which give you quite a good idea of the finish, these glazes look completely different when comparing the unfired pigment to fired outcome. So it's always a bit of a surprise when it comes out of the kiln.

#ceramics #stoneware