Process

Each portrait is made from at least 20-30 UNDER-GLAZES; used to add colour to a piece before it's GLAZED. I use Duncan® E-Z Stroke® underglazes, highly pigmented clay slips that are then individually mixed to achieve subtle hues, tones and tints.

 Each colour appears much paler and matt when applied, it's only when the underglaze fuses with the glaze during the firing process that the paint colour deepens and fantastic saturation and vibrancy are revealed.  

 By layering many brush strokes onto the porous bisque (rather like a gesso ground for tempera painting),

 I can achieve depth, dimension and brilliancy of colour, not always obtained in more traditional paint, pencil or pastel methods or through digitally created art. 

Ceramic work is typically kiln-fired twice. Un-fired dry fragile clay called GREENWARE undergoes a first firing to convert it to a semi-vitreous porous stage called BISQUE; this allows for it to be safely handled during the painting and glazing process before the final second firing. GLAZE is a protective covering for a porous clay object and comes in various formulations from transparent through opaque. Glaze contains three main ingredients; Silica to create a glass surface,

Flux, containing metal oxides that lower the melting temperature and Alumina, this stiffens the glaze preventing run off. I use Duncan® Pure Brilliance®non-toxic food safe Clear Glaze which enhances underglaze colors with brilliant shine and superior protection. 

Firing temperatures measured in CONES for my ceramic portraits range from 999-1060 degrees celsius.

A gentle process using non-toxic water based underglaze paint applied to a paw and gently pressed on the ceramic bisque.

Your pets paw imprints captured in ceramic. 

Beautiful personalised keepsakes to treasure always.

 Paws are gently pressed into soft white earthenware clay and slowly dried out before the first firing.

Imprints are then painted in a colour wash of your choice before glazing and the final second firing.

 Each piece is available either displayed in a wooden box frame in a range of complimentary colours

Due to the nature of the clay drying process, imprints can take up to four weeks for completion.

Please get in touch to book an appointment.