There is a moment I particularly enjoy in the making of a piece: when it has been fired for the first time, but has not yet been glazed.
At this stage, anything is still possible.
The vases are white, matte, almost silent. Nothing distracts yet from their shapes, their curves, or the patterns carved into the porcelain. This is also when I have to decide what comes next: let the form speak for itself, or add color that will change its character.
For my next firing, there will be white again. Lots of white. I find myself increasingly drawn to letting certain forms speak for themselves, without allowing color to take over.
For the carved pieces, however, I’m still hesitating.
I want the color to complement the pattern and bring out the carving without stealing the spotlight. A cool tone? Or something a little warmer?
So, for a few more days, they’ll wait—white, matte, and full of possibilities.
