Source: emilymurphy.com
Technique: the pieces appear wheel thrown and some slab-work. The peices are then soda-fired. Her process is given on the site saying "After 12 hrs of firing, the kiln reaches around 2250′F... I add in a mixture of wood chips, water,calcium carbonate, soda ash & baking soda (yes, the Arm & Hammer kind). This mixture will burn and the soda will vaporize into a vaporous glaze. The vapor is carried on the flame throughout kiln and lands on the pots and glazes each piece."
Comment:
I am really smitten by these pieces. The first thing that drew me to them where their earth-tone colors and the depth that the glaze layering gives to a piece. The second thing that made me want to investigate more was the terms "soda fired" and "spray glazed". I had never heard of soda fired but looking at more soda fired pieces they really have a roughness. Where these pieces shine above the rest is the combination of glaze colors that layer simple primary colors (blue, yellow, red) without making it cheezy like clown colors or a baby's room; these are the most earthy, organic looking examples of primary colors I have ever seen! These pieces are amazing in their decoration, and what's more is that they are completely functional (and dishwasher safe to boot)!
Another thing that makes these pieces interesting is that they look like they have a great texture; the way the glazes play off each other and the soda ash can sprinkle itself on one part of the piece and not the other creates a really compelling form that you want to appreciate with your eyes but you want to touch it too, at least I do...
Finally, I was wondering what sort of kiln this person must have; maybe it is something custom-made for her needs??
Soda firing is a variation of salt firing which was originally developed in Germany. In soda and salt firing the sodium binds to the silica in the clay and forms a "glaze" on the clay surface. These are both considered atmospheric firing techniques that are usually done in a fuel fired kiln which is normally fired with gas (natural or propane). The oxides and types of clay in a clay body as well as any glaze or slip applied will react with the sodium causing different colors to "flash" on the clay. Atmospheric kilns are dedicated to this process as you will get residual atmospheric effects even if you don't put anything in the kiln in later firings. I can explain more about this to you in class if you are interested.
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