Impressions.
Much of my pottery is influenced by impressions and textures. I use doilies that were crocheted by my grandmother to preserve her patterns and designs by impressing them into clay. Additionally I use things found in nature, often leaves, to create designs on many pieces.
Raku.
Raku generally refers to a type of low-firing process that was inspired by traditional Japanese raku firing. Western-style raku usually involves removing pottery from the kiln while at bright red heat and placing it into containers with combustible materials. Once the materials ignite, the containers are closed. This produces an intense reduction atmosphere which affects the colors in glazes and clay bodies. The drastic thermal shock also produces cracking—known as crackling since it is deliberate.
Source: Beth Peterson
Obvara firing is a raku firing technique that originated in Eastern Europe around the 12th Century. The hot (1650 degree F) piece of pottery is taken out of the kiln and quickly immersed into a fermented mixture of water, flour, yeast, and sugar. The finish is scalded onto the porous surface, creating stunning patterns.
Wood firing.
This type of firing involves stacking a kiln with glazed pots and firing the kiln over a period of a few days with wood to reach a temperature of about 2300 degrees. A natural glaze is created by the effects of the wood ash on the pieces.
