Saggar Technique

 

I make buffalos as a way to honor my mother. The buffalo serves as a symbol for my attachment to a courageous woman who taught me about possibilities across the horizon.

 

Each buffalo is handformed with low fire white clay. When dry, I brush on 2 coats of    terra sigilatta, a smooth clay slip . The buffaloes are nestled inside a clay box (a saggar) along with a variety of organic materials - sawdust and salt marsh hay - which have been saturated with various metal oxides.

 

During the several  hour firing, the fuming of the oxides combines with the smoke from the burning combustibles to create a range of colors and effects. There is no glaze, but the color is permanent. 

 

Every piece is one of a kind. For a final touch, I hand polish with protective wax.