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James Brooke works exclusively in
porcelain that is high fired in a reduction atmosphere. No lead
or any other hazardous materials are used. He produces work
on both a potter's wheel and via slip casting.
One of the main differences in the techniques is that wheel-thrown
work is inherently round in nature, while slip casting allows
for the production of work that is off round. James makes all
of his own models and molds, so shapes can be repeated accurately,
and all of the designs are his own.
After drying, the ware is first fired to a low temperature (bisque)
that uniformly hardens the work and makes for a sturdier piece
during the glazing process. The bisqued pieces are then decorated
with an assortment of glazes using a variety of bulb syringes
and haki brushes.
In the next step, glazes are sprayed on each piece so that the
decoration is actually in relief underneath the glaze. The work
is then fired again, this time in a gas/reduction kiln to about
2400 degrees f (Cone 10 on the potter's scale).
This type of firing imparts the durable aspects that are found
only in high fired ceramics - a vitreous body that is hard and
non-absorbing. During the firing, the glaze and the underlying
decoration melt together, and this fusion gives the piece its
finished look.
All pieces are microwave/dishwasher safe and oven proof, but
as with all quality hand-crafted pottery avoid extreme temperature
changes. Each piece is a hand-crafted original and also all
lead free.
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914
water street, port townsend, washington 98368 | telephone (360) 385-3630