Pierced Pieces

Each one of these pieces is truly a labor of love.  This art form invests significant time, patience and dedication; and I love the challenge!

The process begins with shaping the clay on the pottery wheel or rolling the clay out if it's a flat piece. Once the basic form is achieved, I mark out the design & areas to be pierced. This step requires precision and careful planning to ensure the structural integrity of the piece isn't compromised.

The actual piercing or perforating of the pottery demands patience and a steady hand. I use various tools, such as small xacto knives, and specially designed ceramic hole cutters to create the desired patterns or holes. Each puncture is made with precision, considering both aesthetic appeal and functionality. The goal is to create a piece that is not only visually stunning but also serves its intended purpose effectively.

The final stages involve meticulous refining and smoothing rough edges.  Once this is complete, the piece is slowly dried so it doesn't crack before the first firing.  Every step demands time, focus, and a deep appreciation for the craft, making each piece a unique and labor-intensive work of art.