Kiln Diary #01
KILN DIARY #01 – JULY 2020
“With a year’s exhibition commitments and events cancelled or postponed and deadlines lifted, making became a slower and more considered process.”
This week we prepared, packed and fired the soda kiln. There is nothing particularly special about this event as it is a routine part of my working life as a potter. But this was the first firing since Lockdown in March and it gave the occasion a sense of anticipation and excitement.
With a year’s exhibition commitments and events cancelled or postponed and deadlines lifted, making became a slower and more considered process. With this came an unexpected freedom and time to make for myself in the studio. A rare opportunity and I had fun ! Working with richer more complex surfaces, drawing into the soft porcelain clay. The Pod Forms especially have developed layers of surface in their attention to detail. The fluid and random textures balanced against the more controlled drawn marks and carved features.
I fired these forms in a new way. Balancing the vessels at precarious angles on seashells to allow the soda to drift around the forms touching the surfaces. After firing I discovered traces of the shell forms fused to the surface. The salt which impregnated the shells brought a subtle and unexpected variation of colour. This mix of control and chance makes firing for me a creative process.
We will be adding a group of new work from this firing to the online shop this week. This is a unique opportunity to buy these pieces directly from the studio. We will also include a small select group of cups and teabowls alongside a few individual exhibition pieces. I am always happy to personally answer any questions you may have about my work. To contact me email jack@dohertyporcelain.com
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NOTES FROM THE STUDIO
My work is made using one clay, one mineral and a single firing. Over time the process has become simpler and more refined in the belief that stripping away the unnecessary can produce work with complexity and depth. I enjoy the fluid, sensual nature of porcelain combined with the freedom of throwing and hand-building. My firing technique is unique; a vital and dynamic process using soda as a catalyst to create a reaction with copper to produce a subtle palette of colour and texture closely integrated with the form.
