Landscape Vase

3-1/4" L x 3-1/4" W x 4" H

These “vases” are inspired by the natural processes and formations – rocks, cracks, erosion, growth, etc. The forms and compositions are distillations of these events.

Process

The material is red earthenware (terra cotta). For the bases, sawdust is added to the clay which is then pressed into a plaster mould. The sawdust burns out during the firing leaving a pitted surface. The container and outer shell are slip-cast in a plaster mould. After the first firing (bisque) the openings are created by sand-blasting.

The pieces are then glazed – the inner holder with a clear glaze and the outer shell with a coloured glaze. Some of the shells are also sand-blasted. This simulates the natural process of weathering or the action of sand and water which creates polished beach stones.