Construction

Contemporary ceramics encompass a large range of making and finishing techniques. Form, surface finish and clay type are all carefully considered. Concept and design are a priority but are often challenged by the limitations of the clay itself.

 

Sothern Ice Porcelain

“I have worked with many different types of clay, and although it can be a little more challenging to use, Sothern Ice Porcelain is by far my favourite. It is well known for its qualities of translucency and crystalline whiteness, and ever since I began using it, I have been constantly testing the boundaries and capabilities of the clay, and exploring its amazing qualities.”

Unlike stoneware clays, porcelain is not easily manipulated and can warp quite easily. After throwing the form, the subsequent carving, adding to and altering, must be timed precisely throughout the making, drying and firing process. Other techniques used, include resist work, piercing, sanding and polishing. They are then fired to 1300 degrees.

Many of Danica’s delicate ceramic forms emphasises the translucency and fragility of the Southern Ice Porcelain. One of the techniques she uses is to throw her vessels extremely thin to bring out the translucency of the porcelain, and then to add to this she mask off areas of the unfired clay surface with shellac before sponging away the background to a thinness that, when fired, will allow the passage of light.

Sometimes a transparent glaze coloured with stains or oxides is added to the bisc fired work. This confers a depth to the glaze, which pools in the carved sections giving a richer colour. The glaze is paler where it is thinner on the relief decoration and on the rim enhancing the form of each piece.

 

Future Direction

Currently Danica is designing a new body of work in which she explores the three dimensional form through altering wheel thrown vessels. By altering the forms, there is more movement in the work as there are flowing curves and sharp angles to lead the eye in to its centre, as well as the likelihood of warping, to add to its characteristics.

She is also hoping to explore the use of coloured stains and oxides within the clay body, and play with surface textures. She enjoys exploring the relationship between internal and external surfaces and will investigate this more in sculptural works.

This will be a new direction for Danica in her quest to embody porcelain, that which moves her so deeply.