Woodfired Tulip Magnolia Vase

Tulip magnolias twist and turn and flip their petals across the surface of this handmade, woodfired vase. The piece was made on the pottery wheel by Rob and then given to Jess to illustrate. Finger and thumb prints with trails of thicker slip provide a varied canvas on which Jess drew the blooming flowers. These flowers to us symbolize individuality, quirkiness, and the beauty of marching to the beat of your own drummer.

The interior is a pale blue with crystals, reminding us of ice and snow, and the exterior is alive with the toasty colors of wood firing, created by the path of flame and ash in the kiln.

More about the making of the form: The faces of the form between the corners stretched from the inside of the form present different angles to the flame path, each with its own subtle shift in color and sheen. The tulip magnolia branches encircle the form with a more spare side and a more densely decorated side on opposite broad faces. The playful handles accent the gentle swoop of the rim.

More about the surface decoration: The flowers were first sketched on the bisque piece, laying out the composition of how I wanted the petals to stretch and reach. Then, washes of underglaze colors to bring highlights, shadows and mediums tones to bring the piece alive were added. Finally, I drew on the form with an underglaze trailer fitted with a super fine tip, creating the black outlines.