WHAT IS CRYSTALLINE?
THE ART OF CRYSTALLINE GLAZE
Crystalline glazes are truly special when it comes to ceramics. Crystal formation is influenced by the clay body, glaze formulation, and intense heat inside the kiln. Using only a true porcelain clay body and mixing and formulating our own crystalline glaze we maintain quality and consistency in our products. We have specifically designed kilns for the crystalline process. We don't paint the crystals on, sprinkle anything in the glaze, or throw anything into the kiln. Crystalline is the art or growing crystals in the glaze matrix during the firing process. Similar to snowflake structures, crystals will grow in all different shapes and sizes. Expect glaze variations in both color and crystal formation. Each piece becomes a mesmerizing one of a kind work of art!
WHY WE ONLY USE CRYSTALLINE?
THE APEX OF GLAZING
Crystalline ceramics is an involved process that requires experience, dedication, experimentation, and patience. There is are many subtleties in the process; a slight temperature shift inside the kiln or a change in the amount of milliliters of glaze applied can drastically change the glaze outcome completely. Additional steps are required to take each and every creation to the finish line. For every piece of crystalline ceramics we create an additional piece (glaze catch) is made that you don't see. The glaze catch is glued (with a special paste) to the bottom of every mug, cup, vase, lamp, and light to catch all the excess glaze that will run off. After unloading a glaze kiln the pieces need to be torched off the glaze catch and sanded smooth on the bottom. For many potters they don't want to commit the time and energy for the risk in results. Crystalline is a finicky process but the challenge is thrilling. With proper notes and many years of experience we have our crystalline process down to a science!