Spanish Moss & Horsehair Pottery

The pottery piece is formed on a wheel in our studio, then burnished. Burnished pottery works best, as the smooth unglazed surface accepts the carbon marking with the strongest effect.

The piece is fired to 1800°F in an electric kiln. Using the electric kiln allows much easier access to the ware, this process can take as long as 7-8 hours. 

Once temperature is reached, the incandescent pottery is allowed is allowed to cool, removed and inspected for any cracks or blemishes, if they are discovered, the piece is discarded. 

The next step is to apply live Spanish Moss, and an iron based solution developed by John. The piece is then wrapped in aluminum foil, and placed in a kiln and heated to over 1,000 degrees, taken from the kiln and revealed. Each piece is unique including the coloration.

The next stage is accomplished with a flame driven kiln, and heated to over 1100 degrees. The hot pottery is place on a non-flammable surface (such as kiln shelf) and the selected hairs are draped onto it. The heat sears the hair and pulls the carbon reside into the clay becoming part of the piece. 

Once the piece has cooled completely, it is washed to remove residue. The piece is inspected again, hand polish it and a sealing glaze is applied. 

Annie’s Art Farm
Featuring the “Hairy Potter”

446 Strange Road
Hodgenville, Kentucky 42748
www.anniesartfarm.com

 

35 products