The Thrill of the Unexpected: A Ceramic Artist’s Journey into Glaze Experimentation

Hello fellow art enthusiasts! As a lifelong lover of all things handmade, especially ceramics, I’m always captivated by the transformative power of glazes. It’s pure magic how they can turn a simple piece of pottery into a dazzling work of art. Today, we’ll delve into the inspiring journey of Australian ceramicist Nicola Moore and her infectious passion for glaze experimentation.

Nicola’s Journey: A Testament to Creative Exploration

Nicola’s story begins with a leap of faith. Leaving behind a career in motion graphics, she followed her heart to the world of ceramics. Initially focused on hand-building techniques, she worked with readily available glazes in community studios. However, everything changed when she established her own studio and acquired a large electric kiln. This marked the beginning of her deep dive into the captivating world of glaze experimentation.

The Allure of Glaze Combinations

Inspired by her background in painting, Nicola was drawn to the unpredictable beauty of combining glazes. She found herself recreating the effects of acrylic pouring and oil spotting on her ceramic pieces. This fascination fueled her desire to understand the science behind glaze interactions, allowing her to manipulate them with greater control and artistry.

Learning from Every Firing

Nicola’s approach is characterized by constant experimentation. Each piece she creates becomes a canvas for a new glaze combination or application technique. This dedication to pushing boundaries has resulted in both stunning successes and insightful failures. Each firing, regardless of the outcome, provides valuable knowledge that informs her future endeavors.

Beyond the Familiar: Crafting Custom Glazes

As Nicola’s glazing expertise grew, so did her desire to achieve specific finishes that were unattainable with commercially available options. She found inspiration in the lustrous works of ceramic artists like Alison Thyra Grubb and Greg Daly. This admiration ignited a new passion – creating her own glazes from scratch.

The Microwave Kiln: A Game Changer

Intrigued by the possibilities of raku firing, Nicola discovered the unexpected versatility of microwave kilns. Not only did they allow her to experiment with reduction firing techniques for vibrant dichroic effects, but she also realized their potential for traditional cone 06 work. This discovery led her to develop a unique online course, teaching others how to fire pottery using this accessible and affordable method.

Resources for Ceramic Enthusiasts:

• Ceramic Arts Network: A comprehensive resource for ceramic artists of all levels, offering articles, tutorials, and a vibrant online community.
• The American Ceramic Society: A leading professional organization dedicated to advancing the study and creation of ceramics.
• John Britt Ceramics: Renowned ceramic artist and author John Britt shares his expertise through workshops, books, and online resources.

Conclusion:

Nicola Moore’s journey reminds us that the heart of art lies in exploration and embracing the unknown. Her dedication to pushing the boundaries of glaze experimentation is an inspiration to ceramic artists of all levels. By sharing her knowledge and passion, she opens up the world of ceramics, making it more accessible and inviting everyone to experience the joy of creating with clay.