Return to the Ashes
The project repurposes an unwanted byproduct, experimenting with ashes in glaze-making to build a connection between the foundations of ceramics and draw attention to the process.
Ash glazes, made from organic materials such as wood, plants, and bones, were used primarily in East Asia, especially in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean ceramics. They can be considered the first glazes at all, often consisting only of ash, clay, and water.
The use of ash to make glazes dates back to 1500 BC and marks the beginning of glazes, the creation of which was accidental. Burned wood for firing the kiln landed on pots and left them glazed.
Since the cell structure derives its mineral nourishment from the soil, it is logical that the ash from the burnt material contains minerals which are essential for the production of glazes. Different plants absorb and contain different amounts of minerals, giving different results in glaze making.
The results depend very much on the ash and the ingredients mixed with it. Each batch can be completely different depending on the ash, the source of the material, and the temperature of the firing. Beautiful natural earthy browns and greens are usually the result. Rice straw ashes can have opaque white to blue colors.
Ash glazes can mimic the naturally occurring glazes produced in Anagma (穴窯) kilns, which use only wood to fire the kiln. In anagma kilns hot embers, the oxygen levels and the ash flying around in the kiln set on the pottery and melt on the surface of the ceramics, leaving a glaze.