Throwing and Firing
            All pottery is typically created through three distinct steps – throwing,
    glazing, and firing. Throwing is the step that gives the piece its shape. It
    includes pulling the piece from a ball of clay, then adding handles, textures,
    altering the shape, or whatever the potter wants to do to reach the desired
    form. The shape will still change – the clay shrinks about 15% after it leaves
    the wheel. But the physical characteristics are now established.

            Glazing adds color and additional texture. Pots may be dipped in a
    bucket of glaze, the glaze may be brushed on, or it may be sprayed on.
    Some elaborate pots need multiple colors, and multiple layers.

            Firing provides additional variation in the source of the heat (a gas or
    electric kiln) and temperature. Kilns can be anything from holes in the ground
    to computer controlled ovens. Different kilns are suited to different glazes and
    will produce different results.

            There are lots of options, and great pottery requires trial and error to
    get just the right look. Typically a potter selects a narrow area of interest and
    explores that area to build expertise and develop a unique style.

            I use an electric kiln and a Raku kiln, and have developed glazes that
    work well with each of these. The shapes I produce balance between
    functional and artistic, with each piece having its own character. I try and use
    the glaze to emphasize the shape and movement of the piece to bring
    character to my work - that will make it more to you than just another piece
    of pottery.
Glazing
Electric Kiln
Adding Texture
From a ball to a coffee cup in five easy steps!
Glazing
Raku Kiln
Barrel Firing
A raku party at Nancy's
Smoking a luster glaze
Dipping a piece to apply
glaze
Dropping a crackle
piece into newspaper