We consider the setting
and use of the site where the project will be situated. We take
photos and measurements of the colours and forms of the surrounding
architecture and open spaces with the goal of integrating the
piece into its "contextual home". With the clients own
vision and aesthetic preferences, as well as the context of the
piece in mind, a design is generated.
When a design has been
established, we prepare a clay body appropriate for the function
of the project. For example, the clay used for a fireplace surround
must have refractory characteristics, whereas the clay for a fountain
must have low humidity absorption qualities. In some cases it
is necessary to reproduce the original site in the studio so that
the finished product will precisely fit the space where it will
be installed. This is true for custom door-frames and arches,
kitchen or bathroom counters, and fireplace surrounds.
Once the pice has been
constructed it is cut into sections and monitored during the drying
stage. Once dry, it is bisque-fired in our commercial-sized kiln.
The temperature curve is controlled by a digital pyrometer and
compared with pyrometric cones.
The appropriate glazes
are selected, prepared and tested before applying them to the
piece, which is then fired for a second time. Some decorative
treatments require that a piece be fired for a third time.
Finally, we transport
the finished product to its permanent location and install it.
The average job takes about 1 month to complete, from the moment
that the desgn has been decided until the final installation.
