See a flaw, and I must make my peace with it. But when opening a glaze kiln and seeing a piece that yes, hold on, just might be fine, then, risking all, turn it over, and I see that all is well, aah, that feels good.

As I have explained in previous blog posts, the trick with these bowls is to have the piece trimmed and finished, and yet still damp enough to withstand the pressure I put on it, as I force the sides inwards and upwards, to create this distorted, wave effect. I cajole it into doing my bidding, while at the same time I must keep the foot from lifting, keeping it flat to the work table. Some bowls rebel on me and start to crack, others pretend to give in, only to settle back into their original shape as they soften in the heat of the kiln. Then some, like this one, let me have my way.

Stoneware. Fired in oxidation, Cone 6. Distorted. Dia: 13″ – 13.5″; ht: 3″ – 3.5″