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Iridescent colors blend and merge into intriguing patterns. Fantasy land and seascapes emerge. Abstract watercolor images tempt the viewer’s imagination. All of these things and more may be seen on these fine hand crafted porcelain art works. The artist spends a great deal of time on every piece to ensure that each one is unique and has its own individual personality.

There are a wide variety of techniques available to create the original shapes such as: slip casting, coiling, hand building, slabbing, assembly, and wheel throwing. Once a shape is formed and refined, most pieces are base coated and strategically accented with various colored slips and under glazes. This determines the general color scheme and basic design elements of the piece. A clear glaze is applied inside and out which provides functionality (water proof) and a smooth glossy surface for painting with the lusters.

The over glaze designs are accomplished with liquid metallic lusters. The lusters contain small amounts of various metals such as gold, platinum, silver, and copper, as well as other materials. Because this is a liquid solution, beautiful translucent color shading and blending using wet on wet watercolor technique can be achieved with enough practice. Luster firings in the kiln are to cone 018 (1314° F). At this temperature the glass glaze softens and the color and design work actually fuses into the surface of the glaze. This fusing process results in a very reflective and shimmery final effect. The wet on wet watercolor technique used to create the luster design, combined with the luster firing fusing process is the key to the truly unique visual quality of these fine pieces.

To give the shape a very finished appearance and to enhance certain aspects of the design, a platinum or 22K gold trim and accent work is applied. The piece is again fired to cone 018 (1314° F). The glass glaze softens and the gold or platinum metal fuses into the glaze much the same way the over glaze lusters did. This causes the gold or platinum to be permanently bonded to the piece and will not rub off, scratch, or tarnish. The trim work also aesthetically “finishes” the piece the same way that a good frame and matte finishes an original painting.

By building the design over multiple layers and multiple firings, (under glaze base color and accenting, clear glaze, metallic luster over glazing, and 22K gold or platinum trim) an extraordinary depth in the finished design is achieved. Additionally, the abstract flowing qualities of the watercolor techniques when combined with the sharp edged sometimes geometric qualities of the under glaze accents and metal trim work create an interesting design tension. This beautiful porcelain artwork looks exceptional on a coffee table, mantle, end table, office desk, dresser or vanity, dining room table, entertainment center, or anywhere a special accent is desired. The vases are functional for floral arrangements from the garden or florist, dried arrangements, or anything you want to put in them. They are also wonderful by themselves with nothing in them at all. I sincerely believe these special pieces will make a wonderful addition to any environment whether it is home, office, commercial, or public space.

May Peace and Prosperity be with you,

James