All ceramics, whether utilitarian or non-utilitarian, are fired in a cone 10 reduction atmosphere, are mainly stoneware clay bodies ranging from white, to red-brown to near black and only very occasionally, porcelain. All utilitarian ware is food and dishwasher safe. Nevertheless, prolonged washing in a dishwasher can dull glazes over time, and you can put ware in an oven -if- you raise the temperature of the oven gradually. You cannot put any ware on an open flame or otherwise cause heat shock…at best the ware will crack and break on the spot.
Glaze
Glaze treatments often include more than one glaze and the addition of oxides, wood ash and/or salt. I tend toward matte glazes because i find them more pleasing, interesting and deeper; occasionally I use semi-matte and glossy glazes. Matte glazes require extra care because they are more porous and prone to staining, matte white glazes in particular…red beet salad will stain a matte white bowl and though you can use a quick wash with bleach to remove the stain, prolonged soaking in bleach will degrade the glaze.
Of all the glazes I use, Shino or carbon trap glazes are the most difficult to predict and give the most varied results in-of-themselves; when a Shino emerges with a delicate gold or silver haze, this effect exemplifies (for me) the magic of earth, heat and oxygen. Similarly, and with the same unpredictability, glazes will form tiny crystals that will sparkle like a very, very fine glitter over areas or the entire surface of a pot (also impossible to photograph.) I’m a rock hound, love gems and minerals, the alchemy of the earth, what geological forces do to minerals over time, so the kiln feels like a magical accelerator of the forces of nature.
Commissions
I do accept commissions, though with the understanding that the commission will not be an exact duplicate of anything pictured on this site, rather it will be an approximation of that piece. If you generally like my aesthetic, you will probably be happy with what I make for you. If you like a form that you see here and prefer a different glaze on that form, I can do that. I do not take commissions based on images of ware that I have not made.
Utilitarian ware commissions take approximately month to get through process; outsized objects, such as stools, lamp bases and bells can take up to three months, depending on both size and difficulty.
Shipping & Handling
Average size utilitarian ware is the cost of Priority postage to your location (unless you specify a mail carrier other than USPS) plus a 10.00 handling fee. All outsized objects, such as stools, bells and lamp bases require special shipping due to size and weight. Contact me for more information if you plan on buying a large work. If you happen to live in Los Angeles, you are welcome to pick up in person and skip the postage and handling fees.