Art

Item Description

These two vases were hand made by Tim Phillips fired at Baum School of Art in Allentown, PA. Finely finished with intricate, naturalistic decoration these pieces add beauty to any space. The smaller vase measures 4.5 inches tall with a 3.5 inches mouth. The larger one is 5.5 inches tall with a 3 inches mouth. 

History of Horsehair Pottery:

The origin of horsehair pottery has been traced back to the Navajo, who continue to decorate the surface of pottery with this technique today. These two pottery pieces were thrown using a white stoneware clay. After drying, they were coated with terra sigillata, which is an ultra-refined clay slip that when burnished gives a high gloss.
Using a raku kiln, the pottery was heated to 1,800o F. The pieces were then removed one at a time and placed on a heat resistant mat. Individual strands of horsehair as well as different types of feathers were draped across the surface of the pottery. Immediately upon touching the surface, the horsehair and feathers vaporize and leave shadows of their former physical appearance burned into the surface of the pots.
Once they are removed from the kiln, the pottery cools quickly. This allows only a very short period of time for the potter to apply the horsehair and feathers before it has cooled. The rapid cooling of the pottery as well as the various materials placed on the surface results in the uniqueness and beauty of each piece of horsehair pottery.

About Tim Phillips:

"I am a retired professor and took my first pottery class about two years ago at the Baum School of Art in Allentown, PA. Like many beginners, I started out making mugs and bowls for family and friends while continuing to work on improving my throwing and glazing skills.
Recently, I have begun focusing my efforts towards alternative kiln firing techniques including, raku, obvara, and horsehair pottery. These alternative firing techniques allow the potter to interact with the pottery while it is literally “red hot” as it is taken from the kiln (between 1,600o to 1,800o F). This post-kiln interaction allows for the creation of unique pottery, while employing techniques that are centuries old.  
I am fascinated by the natural look of these pieces, which are the result of organic elements that, when placed on the pottery’s hot surface, are vaporized and leave behind their essence in shades of black and white."

Item Special Note

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