Smoke Fired Vase

This vase, made by joining coils of clay together, is refined to the point of burnishing. The finish creates a smooth surface which captures the patterns created by smoke from the firing. 

 

To smoke-fire the pot, a fire is built over it, and it is burnt from the top, allowing smoke to engulf the pot and create the patterns that emerge during the firing. 

 

The shape is inspired by traditional ceramic forms, reimagined in a natural, relaxed, manner. The flattened, ovular shape of the pot, allows it to sit perfectly on a shallow shelf or mantelpiece, maximising it's presence.