Knot Woman I - Complete!

I have to say, it has turned out even better than I'd hoped. The initial bisque firing developed a technical difficulty which accidentally caused the whole load to be fired to Cone 6 instead of the usual Cone 08. If you aren't familiar with ceramics firing temperatures, 08 would be like -8 on a number scale so if you can imagine just the different in -8 to 6 know that in firing temperature this does make a considerable difference in prepping the clay for glaze application.

Using a traditional glaze for stoneware in this case can sometimes be possible but isn't very reliable. It can also be potentially very messy since the glaze could potentially run right off the piece in the final firing and then create havoc on your piece, the kiln shelves, and any pieces unfortunate enough to be close by. Since this was a group studio kiln, I didn't feel comfortable enough to risk all that. Instead I chose to apply an Iron Wash and experiment with a brush on application and sponging off to get a faux texture design. I can't believe I forgot to take a picture of the piece once I was satisfied with the application of the wash. It would have been much easier to see the application results before the clay was darkened by the final firing. My amateur photos in this case don't do the piece justice.

So, as it turns out, I think traditional glazing would not have had as dramatic an effect for the look I was wanting here and I am actually very glad the over-firing happened.

This is a prime example of a very Happy Accident!