Fire Works, Alternative-Fired Clay

Art Reception

Art by Chuck Parsons · Exhibit runs from Nov 16 - Jan 10 · Display alongside Lou Anne Reinke

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Most of my work has been functional high-fired glazed porcelain ware.  Although I continue to do this kind of work, I have also been very interested in “alternative” firing techniques that forsake the use of glazes.  Specifically, I have experimented with various low fire techniques where the pieces are made with a porcelain clay body and then pit fired, saggar fired, horse hair fired or raku fired without the use of glazes.  In some cases, multiple techniques are used on a single pot. With pit and saggar firing techniques, the pot is  fired in a “bed” of organic material including saw dust, leaves, salt and various copper and iron derivatives.  With the horse hair technique, the vessel is heated in the kiln, removed at approximately 1000 degrees and then horse hair  immediately applied to the surface of the pot.  The raku firing makes use of a slip resist technique ("naked raku") that peels off the pot after it is fired and reduced in newspaper or sawdust.  Although the vessel form, surface preparation and organic materials are within my control, the firing process results in unique surface patterns that are somewhat unpredictable and unique for each piece.
This show represents a range of ceramic forms, firing techniques and clay bodies that I have used in my work, with an emphasis on alternative firing techniques. 

ARTIST BIO:

Chuck Parsons has been a part-time potter for the past thirty years.  He studied under Lee Dillon and Gordon Moore for several years in the pottery studio at the Salt Lake Art Center.  He currently works out of the Red Kiln pottery studio.  His work has previously been shown in group shows at the Salt Lake Art Center,  Red Kiln Studio Gallery, the Groutage Gallery,  the Gallery at Union Station in Ogden, Finch Lane Gallery and several other group shows sponsored by Clay Arts Utah. His work is for sale through the Red Kiln Gallery.

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