Graffitti Series Vase #4

By John Guarnera

This series has developed over the last year. The forms are Eastern influenced simple vases. They are “thrown” on the potters wheel. Then a thick white slip is brushed partially over the dark stoneware clay. Incised lines are scribed and lightly scratched in the surface, exposing bits of the dark clay showing beneath the white slip. The piece dries to what is referred to as “bone dry” and underglaze marks are added. The marks can be as simple as an animal footprints or other graphic image of various imagery. After the first firing, additional marks are added including written comments and other personal thoughts are added. Additional marks using underglaze maybe added as well. Then one of two different shino glazes are applied. A dusting of ash from previous anagama firings is applied before loading the piece in the gas kiln awaiting a 2,350F firing. The shino glazes react differently depending on the placement in the kiln. The most desirous location being the top shelf, providing a reaction called carbon trap.
My intention is to make a piece that seems that it might be centuries old , yet with imagery spanning centuries.