Wheel thrown porcelain ceramics
with crystalline glazes, often with mineral decorations
Each vessel
is individually wheel-thrown, sculpted, signed, and numbered by the artist.
To form the crystals, zinc "seeds" are first applied to the piece, and
colored glazes sprayed over. After firing to a temperature of 2380º, the
kiln is cooled to 2000º and the pieces "soak" for 2 - 6 hours to allow the
crystals to grow. An extremely liquid medium is required to grow the
crystals. A catcher ring must therefore be attached to the bottom of the pot
to catch the running glaze, and removed after firing with a blowtorch. In
the final step, the bottom of the piece is ground smooth. Since the size,
shape, and position of the crystals is not fully predictable, each piece is
completely unique.
The
natural world inspires Shaja so she was fascinated to discover crystalline
glazes, in which a process normally occurring deep in the earth can be
coaxed to take place in a kiln. The striking quality of the crystals demands
the simple, elegant forms she creates to set them off. The crystals seem to
float in their pool of glaze, creating a fourth dimension on the three
dimensional surface of the clay.
She uses
mineral oxides to create her colors, and these also affect the formation of
the crystals. The unpredictable variations in placement and size of the
crystals make each kiln opening an occasion for anticipation and wonder,
like a child opening a gift.
Shaja’s
name is actually Sharon Jackson. Born in London, England, she jokes that
she has been moving west her whole life. She works in her home workshop in
southern California, where she lives with her husband Daniel and beloved
Jack Russell terrier, Billy.
