collection 02 - wood ash glaze magic
Pictured here - a bowl and a mix of cups and vases made using the same glaze, fired in the same kiln at the same temperature, the only difference being the clay body that was used.
When fired, these vases turned a beautiful glossy mix of honey and moss colours, while the bowl became matte and textured, washed in tones of light and dark browns. Wood ash glazes are magic!
In the making of Collection 02 I’ve travelled to far away lands. In my mind that is.
As I’ve gathered clay, collected pumice from local beaches and sieved wood ash from fire-pits, I’ve felt deeply connected to my home environment whilst simultaneously transported to all the places I’ve ever found inspiration out in the wild.
The depths of takayna in lutruwita/Tasmania and rugged mountain ranges in the south of Aotearoa/New Zealand come to mind. Rushing streams, swollen rivers, towering trees and fresh air. That one of a kind beauty found only in nature.
Using these elements in my work has allowed me to tap into a tradition that’s been around for over 3500 years - the art of glazing with wood ash. A lesson in utilising what’s around us to embed a sense of place into objects.
You can feel a certain strength and beauty in these pieces, they feel tied to nature. I can’t think of a better way to bring the outside in.