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.
Shaja seeks to unite the physical,
intellectual, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life into her work.
Throwing porcelain on the wheel demands strength, concentration, and
coordination. Shaja uses yoga breathing principles to produce the delicate
yet strong pressure needed to pull the clay smoothly and evenly upwards.
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.
Born in London, England, she jokes that I have
been moving west her whole life. Shaja works in her home workshop in
southern California, where she lives with her husband Daniel and beloved
Jack Russell terrier, Billy.
Shaja’s is an
artist name. Her actual name is Sharon Jackman and her husband is
Daniel Healy.
