FOSSILIZED LEAF BOWLS ~ The Process
Imprinting
Every Leaf bowl is handmade from an individual leaf. The process entails pressing the leaf into the clay to attain the image and then burning the leaf out while firing it at over 2000 degrees. There are not two bowls that are exactly alike, just as there are not two leaves that are exactly alike.
The Color
The glaze is applied by hand with 6- 7 coats of glaze on each leaf. Results vary from leaf to leaf and the exact same glazes react differently in the kiln depending on many other variables. So, every leaf has its own personality. This is why the leaf bowl has become one of my best sellers. It is truly a unique item each time it is made.
Colors abound and flow around the Catawba
The glazes on this leaf have flowed in the the kiln to showcase the fall colors, amber, green and orange. The colors may vary on a leaf depending on how close it is to the heat source and what other chemical glazes are in kiln at the same time. Glazes sometimes jump from one piece to another as the glaze heats and matures causing a flash of color in an unexpect place. This is considered a gift by potters and pieces are cherished for their flash of color.
The Types of Leaves We Use
By now you are thinking "but where do you get these leaves?" Believe me, you have walked past large leaves many times and never noticed the detailed veins. Once you start to look, it truly becomes an obsession.
Friends and acquaintances have come to me with fabulous leaves after taking a moment to look at the beautiful designs hidden under the leaves. One of the most beautiful and available leaves is the Catawba ( also called Catalpa.)
The picture above shows a medium size catalpa. They range form 5 inches to 20 inches in the early summer. Unfortunately the availability is limited due to destruction by the Japanese Beetle. They do grow back but are often smaller in the autumn.
There are only two requirements of a leaf: flexibility and great veins ! Check out the leaves around you Every one of them has a texture and unique design.some wonderful leaves are the hydrangea, the burdock, sassafrass, and the tomatoe leaf!
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