My process for creating and developing porcelain vessels takes over 20 steps. Many pieces do not make it from beginning to end; there are many points in the process where something might go wrong. In an effort to explain the process, I have highlighted some of the critical steps. For further explanation, please feel free to contact me with your questions at info@gillianparke.com
- Coarse feldspar is wedged into porcelain; the clay parts (with and without feldspar) are thrown on a potter’s wheel, trimmed and assembled while leather hard.
- After assemblage, the piece is dried completely; wax resist is applied to predetermined sections; black underglaze is painted on the unwaxed clay areas.
- With a damp sponge, the underglaze is removed from the surface, leaving an underglaze patina in the textured feldspar areas.
- Wax resist is again applied to the surface; using a needle tool, lines are etched into the wax, revealing the clay below.
- Black underglaze is then applied to the inlaid line.
- After bisque firing to Cone 07, wax resist is applied to black inlay lines so that glaze will not cover the line and affect the color. Glaze is applied by pouring, dipping and/or brushing.
- The pieces are fired a gas reduction kiln to Cone 10.
Post Reduction Firing Process
- Feldspar inclusions result in pearl-like eruptions covering the surface of the vessel. This surface is painted with various luster overglazes and fired in an electric kiln to cone 017. Each luster requires a separate firing because the various overglazes cannot mix. When used in conjunction with decals, the lusters are fired on first before applying decals.
- I use either open-stock or silk-screened water slide decals. After soaking each cut-to-fit decal in warm water, it is transferred to the glazed surface and allowed to dry for 24 hours prior to firing in an electric kiln to cone 017. Each layer of decals needs to be fired on before another layer can be applied on top.