A TACTILE VISION: THE PURSUIT OF AESTHETICS, FUNCTION AND REPRODUCIBILITY IN WOOD FIRING

Abstract

The author seeks a functional wood fired ceramic surface expressing the narrative and dynamic circumstances present during the firing. The focus of this research was to develop approaches for controlling the aesthetic and functional properties of wood fired pottery. Specific areas of investigation were the effects of clay particle size distribution on color development and surface sheen production, and the accumulation of ash glaze throughout the firing. The effect of particle size was determined by comparing the fired surface produced by three clay fractions, slip, terra sigillata, and sediment. The accumulation and effect of the ash was isolated and cataloged to determine the cumulative effect of flame, heat-work and ash deposit at different stages of the firing. This research informed a body of functional ceramic work that utilized fine particle surface treatments to enhance color and sheen and record the pathway and accumulation of ash through the kiln.