What is Earthenware?

Most of the usable clay found in nature is commonly called “earthenware” clay. These clays contain iron and other impurities to cause the clay to become tight and hard fired at about 950 – 1100 degrees centigrade (1900 -1940 F). Fired, the clay turns a warm reddish orange color and remains somewhat porous. The vast majority of the world’s pottery has been earthenware.

Earthenware has a soft tactile quality and a feeling of lightness quite different from denser forms of pottery ( stoneware). Although more fragile than stoneware or porcelain, it is not so brittle.

The color range achieved through firing is beautifully warm and rich showing colors reddish to orange.

These body colors combined with the brilliant colors of low-fired glazes make earthenware an ideal medium for color expression.

Earthenware is commonly understood as terra cotta, which is Italian for burnt earth. The clay I use is custom made and locally sourced from Wisconsin and Minnesota. It is a rich orange red clay, perfect for wheel throwing and hand building. Although not completely watertight, as in stoneware and china, this clay is suitable for household use. I recommend handwashing and never using the dishwasher, as that will cause scratching and surface wear.

My process

I love working with low temperature firing ceramic materials. They provide a broader range of color and color brightness than high fire glazing. My process follows hundreds of years of pottery decoration. I love the fact that all my materials come from the natural earth. Through combinations of those minerals I can make a clay body, color clay slips, and a beautiful soft and clear finish glaze.

I begin with a clay form either hand built or wheel thrown. I allow the form to harden (a few hours) and at this stage I apply my designs. The next steps are to dry the form, then to a bisque fire to harden the clay for the final firing where I have applied a clear glaze finish.

Dry Vase.

I may have created this term. A dry vase from my studio is to be used without water. Think of these as decorative receptacles. Dry flower or grasses arrangements is a typical use. They make great pencil/pen holders, and are handy around the kitchen for utensil holders. I have one for chopsticks.

My dry vases also function as strong decorative items. They provide a punch of color and texture to any décor. I make them in many shapes and sizes. And of course, the designs are ever changing.