Belly Swirl [8.4in / 21.3cm Tall]

Belly Swirl
8.4in (21.3cm) Tall
7.3in (18.6cm) Wide
Weight 900g

I threw this piece on my pottery wheel using stoneware clay. After letting the piece slowly dry to a "leather-hard" state, I refined the final shape on the wheel with a variety of pottery trimming tools. After another period of slow-drying over several days until the piece becomes "bone dry," it was bisque-fired (a lower-temperature firing that allows me to handle the piece without it easily breaking, but still porous enough to absorb glaze for the final firing). The design was applied free-hand by meticulously taping the surface over many (many) hours. A ceramic glaze was applied to the taped surface, dried overnight, tape removed, glaze line edges refined, and a final cleanup on the foot and any other areas I didn't want glaze ...and then the piece was fired in a ceramic kiln to over 2,100F (1,100C).

After cooling, I wet-sanded the bottom (or foot) four times to achieve a glassy finish.

All of the materials I use are made in the US Midwest and are free of lead or any harmful chemicals. All pieces (even if not meant for food) are food-safe, dishwasher safe, and microwave safe ...though handwashing is recommended.

Thank you! - Mat