Soliflore Nebula
Fluid Solo Exhibition 2023
Fluid presents a development of forms thrown on the wheel then altered while still in a very plastic state. The exhibition features wheel thrown, hand built and slip cast works created using coarse dark stoneware clays or fine white porcelain.
Surface treatments of brush work, engobe and glaze layering, body fluxing and carbon trapping are integrated with the form to create an integral whole. The series Sea of Clouds utilises the fluidity of both form and glaze to create an impression of sky viewed from above the cloud cover.
The works made of coarse, blended, iron-rich clays were gas reduction fired to achieve the various surface finishes. While they may be enjoyed purely as sculpture, all works were high fired to 1280°C - 1300°C and are thus functional and watertight.
Ikebana
Many of the vessels would lend themselves well for use with Moribana or Nageire Ikebana arrangements and work-specific Ikebana displays were installed by Sogetsu Ikebana teacher Vernisher Wooh. Examples of current and previous works may be seen on the Ikebana page.
Sea of Clouds 7
Surface Treatments
Southern Ice Porcelain
The porcelain works feature a wide range of glazes from the rich blue-black of a tsuki-yo glaze and the black tenmoku glazes to the pale celadons, ice blue qingbai and mint green matte crystalline glazes.
For more images and further information on the nature, origins and qualities of porcelain, including Southern Ice porcelain, see the Southern Ice porcelain page.
Glazes and Engobes
This exhibition features some recently developed matte macro crystalline glazes - Pink Ice and the turquoise glaze on the soliflore series
A black engobe was applied to the surfaces of the hand built forms Dazzle Ship, Twin Rectangles and Berg and a glaze was applied on top. The brushwork applied in a spontaneous manner on the spherical vase Tribal and on the cone cup and bowl also layers engobe and glaze.
Dark Stoneware
The exterior surfaces of many of the coarse, dark stoneware pieces are unglazed. The subtly iridescent metallic surfaces were achieved by fluxing the clay body and firing in strong reduction.