Description
I made JT Jar on the potter’s wheel from a tan stoneware clay body and I made the lid separately, using a caliper for measurement. Seated lid with a flange that drops down into the neck of the pot. A fan-shape finial with my signature twist completes the pot exquisitely. I approach the making of each finial much like I approach my brushwork: Each must be made in a spontaneous, fluid, motion to capture the energy of the moment naturally. I make several finials for each piece, as they tend to get more and more lyrical as I go; and then I choose the best. In this case, I echo the finial with decorative “handles” on either side of the jar.
I call this surface decoration “Joshua Tree”, “JT” for short. Starting by rubbing red iron oxide into the surface of the lower 3/4 of the pot. Next I dip the upper 1/4 of the pot in a red gold glaze; and use the same glaze to line the interior of the pot. Once the red gold glaze has completely dried, I dip over the glaze, but only about 1/2 way. The glaze is going to move in the firing! The result is a feathering of the two glazes and a fascinating modulation of greens, browns, and golds.
I fire the piece in oxidation in my electric kiln to 2200 degrees F. It’s water tight! Strong and durable as well.
Use JT Jar as a cookie jar or canister. Or why not a vase? A smaller arrangement of red or purple flowers could be stunning! Simply enjoy the way this piece captures the imagination.
9″ High to top of finial x 7″ Diameter at the widest point.
See also JT Jar Vase
