I treated the horn pieces in a combination of morgan white, honey, moss green, pink and purple earthenware glazes, with some oxides added for texture and speckling. I made quite simple choices that will add some visual interest and emphasize the texture of the pieces without distracting from their form.
I used a combination of dipping, pouring and painting techniques to allow the glaze to follow the contours of the clay.
Figuring out the logistics for glazing was tricky because they’re so large. But I decided to wear them on my arm and work over a tray to catch any run off. Honestly, I was so surprised by how powerful it felt to wear them like that, they’re like a bee sting or some kind of delicate piercing thing. They have a kind of archetypal shape, they remind me of lots of different aspects of nature. But also jewelry. But also weaponry. I suppose that the latter two often involve bio-mimicry, so this is no surprise. No wonder they can conjure that kind of emotional experience in me.
I find mixing and working with the glazes so enjoyable. I feel like a witch, bent over a cauldron, whixh is on of itself enjoyable. But on a subtler level, the glaze is so tactile. It’s almost sensual, silken, sliding through your fingers as you mix it with your hands. Sexy.
These are the test examples of the glazes I chose to replicate.
Can’t wait to see them once they’re fired next week.
