This piece is part of the Botanical Collection inspired by my year-long residency on the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, one of the last unspoiled public open spaces along the California coast. Display or use as a vase.
THE STORY: If you walk the preserve trails, you may have come across a team of volunteer weeders dealing with invasive milk thistle, bull thistle, Napa star thistle and Italian thistle along the paths. But the Cobwebby Thistle is another story.
The Cobwebby Thistle is an endangered plant that volunteer weeders work to protect. You'll recognize the cobwebby because its unopened flower heads are laced with fibers resembling cobwebs.
ABOUT: This vessel started on the potter's wheel as a smooth cream-colored clay that is a mixture of stoneware and porcelain. After forming, I altered it into an oval shape and trimmed the top to give it a narrow lip. The surface design began with an overall application of black underglaze. I then began etching the thistles and leaves, and ended with taking out all of the black "behind" the plants.
The last step was to use a tool to texture all of the background surface. After the first bisque firing, the piece was glazed inside with a creamy yellow matte glaze. The outside was clear glazed.
SIZE: 9.25" H x 8." W x 4.5"D
Piece will be shipped/delivered after "On the Trail" show closed on Feb. 2.