TECHNIQUES/STYLES

Techniques/Styles

Unglazed

Unglazed pots are popular for their simplicity. Often reserved for masculine trees, these rustic looking pots add an added element of age to bonsai trees. Unglazed pots are popular for their simplicity. Often reserved for masculine trees, these rustic looking pots add an added element of age to bonsai trees.

Ikebana

Ikebana is the Japanese art of floral arrangement.  The arrangements are minimalist in nature. The approach dictates the parameters of the vase.  Ikebana vases tend to be simple in design often glazed with one single color.

Vases – Planters

Western vases and planters tend to be a little more flamboyant than their Ikebana counterparts.  I utilize a variety of techniques and styles in my vases.  These include different slip techniques and a variety of microcrystalline glazes.  I can also customize vases to your specific needs as far as size, shape and color.

Functional Pottery & Other Fun Stuff

You know that “junk” drawer you have in your kitchen? This section is kinda` like that.  Here you’ll find everything from Coffee mugs to whiskey cup to flasks and pitcher.  There are also different art pieces that just don’t fit in any other category.  Have fun browsing!

Raku

Raku is a Japanese style of pottery dating back to the 16th century. It was originally developed for the Emperor of Japan for a special tea ceremony. This type of pot is thrown with a specific type of Raku clay designed to withstand the gruelling temperatures it endures. Once a pot is created it is glazed in a specific Raku glaze and fired to a temperature of 1750 degrees. It is immediately placed in an oxygen reduction chamber (a trash can lined with crumpled newspaper (make that a metal trash can!). The newspaper immediately catches fire and the can is covered, robbing the pot of oxygen.

The result is an attractive blending of iridescent colors with a unique finish. I use two types of Raku glaze:

Blue Magic – This glaze has a slightly higher lead content which leaves the pot with a smooth, gloss finish with radiant colors.

Alligator – This glaze leaves the pot with the same radiant colors but with a slightly textured surface, similar to alligator skin.

Microcrystalline Glaze

The magic begins when layer upon layers of microcrystalline glazes are sprayed on a pot.  The glazing process incorporates anywhere between seven and nine layers of glazes.  The pot is fired under precise control of temperature and time. The result is a beautiful combination of clorors, feathering and blending together.  My glazes are defines as either a cool or warm palate.  Thid results in a color combination for either masculine or feminine trees.  I meticulously mix my own glazes so any color combination is possible.

Cascade-Semi Cascade

My cascade pots are made with the knowledge I have for bonsai kept in forefront. I leave a healthy amount of clay hidden at the foot of the pots. This gives the pot great balance and stability when planting your cascade trees. It looks like a traditional pot but just picking it up you’ll immediately feel the difference

Horsehair

Horsehair is another very old technique of finishing pottery. It was developed by Native American Indians, used in a ceremony to memorialize their favorite horses. In this technique, pots are fired to 1100 degrees. Then the lid of the kiln is lifted and hair from the horse’s mane and tail are drizzled on to the pots. They immediately infuse to the pots creating a unique design. The pots are then given a glossy clear coat and wax. The result is a decorative designed pot with a glass like finish. I only use English porcelain to throw my horsehair pots as the contrast between the bright white clay and black markings is truly striking. This is one of my most popular finishes and not easy to find elsewhere.