In pursuit of ceramic fantasy & function
Late May 2017 – On a sunny Sunday, I spied a shiny black beetle at the side of a path whilst hiking in the Heritage Grove Redwoods, La Honda, California. I realized instantly that this bug would make a perfect … Continued
Various fantastical bugs have invaded the Legalize Pottery Ceramics Studio — here they are on one of the shelves. And here they are shown invading the kiln. These insects still need to develop deep shiny coloring. Then they’ll each grow … Continued
Here are the preliminary results of my quest to make symmetrical pedestal bowls using a slump mold. They progressively grew in size and stature, with the bottom-most being comparatively big, middle bowl being bigger, and top-most being the biggest and tallest. So far, the … Continued
I just can’t seem to stop creating fish ceramics. Here’s the latest creation, still pretty fragile, in the process of hardening (greenware stage). Notice I’m using ‘fish wrap’ to cradle the piece while it is drying. Below is a smaller fish which just … Continued
Summer 2016 marks the 4th year of my foray into pottery. Here’s the first picture of my initial effort (June 2012): Here’s my most recent project, currently in the drying-out stage: Along the way, there have been some disappointing results. I was … Continued
This Summer has started out auspiciously — with a rare “Strawberry Moon.” A full moon shone on Summer Solstice (June 20) — the longest day of the year. Hasn’t happened since 1967, and we all know what a great year … Continued
Glazing is my least-favorite part of the ceramics process. I know I’m not alone in this. Classmates of mine are always griping about not knowing what glazes/glazing techniques to use and being disappointed with the end results. Also, googling “Hate Glazing” reveals … Continued
I’m continuing to add sgraffito to some of my recent projects, including these two sets of square dessert plates. On the 1st set of 4 plates, I applied 4 coats of jade underglaze and used sgraffito tools to incise a design … Continued
To make a large classically-shaped vase, an ancient technique is to use fat extruded coils, and flatten them out — making “slab coils”. Two large bowl shapes were made from the slab coils being wound and stacked and smeared together. After resting a bit, the two bowls were joined rim-to-rim into a … Continued
This recently-completed vase (measurements 9-1/2″ tall, 3-3/4″ diameter) was made from slabs, using a cylindrical form. A half-dozen interesting autumn leaves were pressed into the damp clay, and 3 coats of black slip were applied. After the bisque firing, the inside was coated with John’s Black glaze, and … Continued
Making bigger pieces by hand is made easier by the use of slabs (made with the slab roller) or building with coils. Vase #1 is made from one large slab wrapped around a cylindrical form. I plucked some interesting leaves from a tree … Continued
I’ve made loads of Fish Dishes in the past, 22 at last count, and the Legalize Pottery site has a whole page devoted to Fishes. But so far the fish have been two-dimensional. While functional, my Fish Dishes aren’t what … Continued
In the 1st part of 2015, while my house was being remodeled, I virtually lived in my ceramics studio. That is, I moved my kitchen table & chairs, refrigerator, microwave, computer, etc. into the Studio, and the Studio is where … Continued
Last month, to jump-start my creativity, I decided I should pursue ceramic sculpting (which I’ve been meaning to do for years now), and signed up for a class in San Francisco (http://dikarevart.com). After looking through art books for inspiration, I … Continued
I’ve been preparing for a Pop-Up Ceramics Sale in San Mateo Central Park on Saturday, June 6, 10 AM to 4 PM. The show features various potters who attend classes at the Central Park Ceramics Studio, along with our wonderfully talented … Continued
Visit the Legalize Pottery Shop on Etsy.com to view a bevy of Fish Dishes, plaques, and boxes!
Quite some time ago, I made a whimsical Fish Dish with multiple fins, elaborate tail, gills, scales, big lips and eye. Multiple carving tools were used to create texturing and crevices. Cobalt Blue Oxide was applied for highlighting the various features, red iron oxide was used … Continued
Recently I made a trio of small boxes with driftwood handles attached via wire wrapping. The perfect size for wish boxes or jewel boxes. The dimensions are in the range of 2-1/2” more or less. The pieces were extruded from mid-fire porcelain. … Continued
The December Ceramics Show & Sale at San Mateo Central Park was a great place to display many of my latest creations, like Christmas ornaments, driftwood-handle jewel boxes, pyramids, and black/white fossil fish. The 2-day show was well-attended and loads … Continued
The Sol Y Luna Boutique/Gift Lounge in San Carlos, CA is offering plaques and mugs from Legalize Pottery! In addition to ceramics, there are other unique gift items — scented candles, jewelry, body care, and one-of-a-kind clothing for the selective … Continued
This vase was made to be displayed in a soffit over cabinets — created ‘by request’. Coiled handles and Emerald crystal glaze worked together to achieve an overall interesting effect. 12″ high, Cone 05.
As usual, I skipped the Summer Session of my ceramics class, and instead worked on my own. Also as usual, accomplishments fell short of the goal, and there are only a few finished pieces so far, and fewer still are … Continued
Here’s a brief impromptu Legalize Pottery video which captures the “fascinating” process of brushing underglaze onto greenware. In this case, the greenware is a slip-cast pyramid which was hand-carved with images of birds.
Here is a series of pictures showing the Legalize Pottery Process. Greenware stage – clay is drying After bisque firing (Low-Temp, Cone 06) After application of oxides, underglaze/glaze Loading the kiln for High-Temp firing (Cone 10) Final results Glazing … Continued
This clever fish is able to morph into a spoon rest, or a soap dish, or a sushi dish, or a candy dish, or a nut bowl, etc. AND, there’s a wire attached on the back, so it is able to hang out on … Continued
Our Ceramics Show, which I’ve been working so hard to prepare for, took place last weekend at San Mateo Central Park. The Show was a great success and lots of fun — the weather was beautiful, the Park was full … Continued
Ceramics Show & Sale San Mateo Central Park June 6 & 7, 2014 Please join me and my fellow potters, and see my recent work! “Meet the Artists Reception” Friday, June 6th, 6 – 9 p.m. “All-Day Show & Sale” … Continued
These precious Bird Feeders are designed for attracting enchanted birds to your magical glen. They are made from extruded stoneware clay, with perches crafted from chopsticks and hangers made of twisted copper wire embellished with beading. Made in several different sizes and … Continued
This plaque has an antique look, with a unique hanger made from twisted wire (recycled) embellished with beads. Envision this hanging in a workspace or among some inspiration pieces. Approx. 12 x 1-1/2 inches. Finished with a combination of underglazes and clear glaze. Cone 10 stoneware. … Continued
A unique and fantastical fish with exaggerated fins and hand carved textures. Crevices decorated with cobalt blue, bright red lips, blue glass eye, glazed with celedon. Approx. 8 x 6 inches, Handbuilt, Cone 10 Stoneware.