I have worked with different kinds of synthetic clays over the last 9 years. Next to other materials like textiles and beads. And I loved it for being easy to bake in my home oven(polymer) or air-dry(epoxy).But I always dreamed of using natural clays… but I knew that would take quite an investment: all new materials; clays, instruments, glazes and a Kiln. I investigated the possibilities for quite some time. Also the possibilty of hiring ovenspace.. but I knew that it wouldn’t work for me. Giving my work out of hands while being in proces…not for me. After searching the internet and reading everything about kilns, I came accros a beautiful and well maintaned secondhand oven and throwing wheel, wich I then invested in. And so my travels through claytopia begun.
Before I bought the oven, I first bought some clay. I needed to know if I would love it as much as I tought. And it felt soooo good right away. The feeling of the clay, the cold softness and plasticity. It was love at first touch! Since then, I’ve been trying out different clays and techniques. Now I can make beautiful tableware as well as amazing sculptures. Durable and strong. That is such a pleasure and enrichment.
And the best thing is, that all my former expierences with the tougher clays are making so easy for me now. I make detailed work, and that is exactly what make my ceramic sculptures special. I am used to work long and patiently for months on one piece. And now, with these natural clays, it goes so much faster. Even though it has to dry, get fired, glazed and fired again.
The last months have been one big learning curve. What clays to use, how to fire the different clays an glazing. I have learned and created and loved every bit of it. Of course there have been mistakes and some disappointments. But I know I can do better and my family supports me in every way. So whatever goes wrong is just something to work on.
The most scary and most happy thing to do, is opening the kiln! I Always prepare for disaster. But every time I’m out of breath. with oooh’s and aaaah’s. Very addictive in a healthy way:)
I will tell you more about learning to glaze and creating a very festive collection of tableware in my next blog.
Thank you for reading and have a lovely day.
Love,
Lisa Roxette