First firing in 2011: A New Work in Progress

I am so excited to have my kiln up and running again!

Starting a new project with porcelain which is very challenging. It is a commissioned work for a residential mansion so I can't just create whatever pleases me. I have to also take into consideration my client's preferences, expectations and needs because she is the one who will look at the art work every day - not to mention that she is also the one who finances the work! Finding the right balance could be tricky, but I am hopeful :)

Here are some snapshots from the first firing session. My kiln is small, it is a 'plug and play' top loading PotteryCrafts kiln called the 'Mercury'. It is capable to fire up to 1300ºC and is programmable with the electric controller. Now, the porcelain pieces are very thin, so to prevent slumping/shape deformation, I had to support them with kaolin powder. They are fired to 1280ºC and I am pleased with the result. It did take a lot of patience and effort to scrape the kaolin powder off of the fired pieces and it got somewhat stuck to them. All had to be done very very carefully because of the delicate and intricate shapes of the pieces. I think it took me almost 2 hours just to clean up a couple of the porcelain pieces! Next time I'll try different supporting method.

Well, this is just one of the many components that I will have to make to form the actual work which will constructed out of many pieces like this one. Each will be handmade one by one, so each piece will be different - although they all will still be within the same concept. More firing sessions are lining up!

BTW, the greatest thing about this project is that working on it has given me inspirations for my next personal project!