Organically shaped, highly textured vessel in grogged black clay. Built over a couple of weeks by connecting thick, hand rolled coils, this is first compressed by hand and wooden paddles before refining the shape with clay shredders and metal kidneys.
After drying and shelf and then bisque firing to 1000°C, the glazing process begins. Texture is again highlighted by dipping it in, and pouring over, a white crawling glaze. With this piece, I turned it upside down and poured the glaze from the bottom, which is what created these fabulous patterns up to the rim. The final firing to 1220°C brings out the black in this stoneware clay completely, which contrasts beautifully with the satin matt white. A statement piece!
Some more details on the design:
Going back to my African roots, this vessel brings back memories of the "kalbassie", as it is known in my first language, Afrikaans. A fruit from the Calabash vine, when harvested mature, it is dried and can then be used as a container, musical instrument, as decoration, or - in my grandmother's case - as support when darning socks. Something so simple that can become part of everyday activities in pretty much every way deserves celebrating, right?
More on this wonderful plant, which is also consumed as healthy vegetable when harvested young: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calabash
Approx* measurements: 13cm (h) x 19cm (w)
* due to the handmade nature of these items, please note that measurements can vary up to 1cm
