Crystalline Glazed Stoneware

After days of preparing test glazes for a kiln, Thomas says he finds it difficult to wait for the kiln to cool. "It's like auditioning for a band and waiting for the judges to post the results," he explains.

In the past few years Thomas has dedicated himself to the technique and theory of zinc glazes. He applies the crystalline glaze with a brush and is always fascinated by the incredible metamorphosis that takes place in the kiln. Thomas works with two base glazes. One creates a background to crystal ratio of about 50%. The other completely saturates the piece with crystals and creates interesting lines where the crystals intersect. He fires the kiln to cone 11 and then drops the temperature to around 2000 deg. F and holds for 3-5 hours.

Thomas uses traditional throwing techniques but often uses handmade rollers on some pieces to add texture to the surface. "It's important to me that the form has balance and harmony. I carefully consider the proportion, weight, shape, color, and design of the form."