Designing the Surface

I use color and texture to create tactile experiences, not only steering the mood of a piece, but emphasizing narrative.

Ceramic glazes and underglazes create totally unique textures unachievable with paint. However, I will also use acrylic, oil, watercolor, stains, and oils, whatever materials are available to achieve the final intended look.

UNDERGLAZE

I use a drop gravity spray gun to apply an even, thick base coat of underglaze to all my pieces before going in with the details (spots, pupils, etc.). Spraying also helps achieve smooth transitions between colors without brush strokes. Check the video below for how I underglazed the owl.

Underglazes can also be used much like watercolor.

 

GLAZE

My goal when using glaze is to enhance color and create atmosphere. Underglaze can look dry and paint can look plastic, but satin glazes are inviting and add depth. However, the downside to glaze is that it can cover detail. It’s a delicate balance.

TESTING

Testing glazes is a challenging yet rewarding process. Because I make glazes using raw materials, I am consistent and exact with measurements, how I sieve, application, and the temperature I fire at.

I also test often, casting a wide net of color and surface combinations, layering glazes with underglazes, slips, and engobes. Take notes!

Once I’ve created the desired result, I’ll spray the sculpture- again, using a drop gravity spray gun, with several even coats. For less glaze heavy pieces, I’ll just brush on the accents.

SGRAFFITO

Sgraffito is illustrative and a lot like drawing. I’ll use slip or underglaze, applying to leatherhard clay, then scratching off the surface with a needle tool. See below.

STUDIO TOOLS

  1. Triple Beam Scale
    OHAUS 720-S0 TRIPLE BEAM 700 SERIES MECHANICAL CLASSROOM BALANCE, 610 G X .1 G
    I use a triple beam because I like to work in small batches, each glaze unique to the piece that I’ve sculpted.

  1. Sieves
    I use 80, 100, and 120 mesh sieves. This ensures consistent application when I spray them on using a drop gravity spray gun.

  2. Spray Gun
    HVLP and Standard Gravity Feed Spray Gun Kit

  3. Air Compressor
    DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor, 6 Gallon, 165 PSI

  4. Respirator
    3M Grey Reusable P100 All-purpose Safety Mask

RAW MATERIALS LIST

  • 99% Red Iron Oxide

  • Barium Carbonate

  • Bentonite

  • Chrome Oxide

  • Copper Carbonate

  • Cobalt Carbonate

  • Dolomite

  • EPK

  • Minspar 200

  • Frit 3110

  • Frit 3124

  • Frit 3134

  • F-12 (Frit 3134 substitute)

  • Flint

  • Gerstley Borate

  • Green Nickel Carbonate

  • Kaolin, Grolleg

  • Kaolin, Glomax

  • Lithium Carbonate


Website I use to research raw materials and their substitutes for glazes.


  • Mahavir

  • MS 6264 Victoria Green

  • MS 6280 Avocado

  • MS 6306 Vivid Blue

  • MS 6319 and 6333 and 6392 Lavender

  • MS 6540 Blue Grey

  • MS 6600 Best Black

  • Nepheline Syenite

  • OM4 Ball Clay

  • Rutile

  • Silica 200

  • Silicon Carbide

  • Spodumene

  • Strontium Carb

  • Talc

  • Tin Oxide

  • Whiting

  • Zinc Oxide

  • Zircopax