About Ceramics
Discover behind the scenes of creating Jira Ceramics and craftsmanship in my studio located in the shadow of the mountains.
Hello, if you came here and want to discover behind the scense of creating Jira Ceramics, I am very pleased!
My mission is to popularize knowledge about ceramics which is produced 100% handmade, but also about widely understood artistic craftsmanship.
Keep in mind that the technique, ideas and traditions practiced by artists are different. Let me tell you more about my work, methods and standards.
But remember – the farther into the forest you get, you will learn more nuances , more surprises you will discover!
So brew your coffee! I am taking you on a journey of which I will be your guide. If you have any questions – feel free to contact me!
Casting Porcelain
I make sure that the pottery meets my expectations and standards, which I set for my brand.
The first technique ceramics that I create are made by a casting technique from a white clay with the properties of porcelain. This technique is not the easiest to choose, but what is important is that ceramics created in this way is light as porcelain and really durable. At the beginning I make models of vessels, on which I prepare next special plaster forms – their pouring requires particular care and concentration – the time of keeping the clay inside them is very important.
Pottery Building
The connection between earth and people through clay. Clay gives me a direct bond with the ground beneath our feet and appreciate the natural resources that surround us.
Second technique to create ceramics by me is back to the roots - clay. Clay is natural material composed of finely ground minerals and earth elements. It's absolutely different kind of creating ceramics than casting technique. It allows to different techniques of building and decoration.
One of the techniques that you observe in my ceramics is slab building and wheel throwing.
From Clay to Finished Product
I clean each example of a cast raw vessel by hand, retouch shape and attach the ear, which I previously created using exactly the same of techniques. The raw vessel now needs time and proper conditions to dry. This process can not be accelerated. At this stage, the ceramics is very fragile because is not subjected to any heat treatment yet.
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The second stage is the initial firing called bisque.
The vessel is subjected to a temperature of 900 degrees to obtain the initial hardness of the biscuit. This is called semi-finished biscuit. After cooling down I clean the works from dust.
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The third stage is to proceed to decorating and glazing. Depending on the project and needs. Glazing can be done through various application techniques. Each mug, bowl or plate is a unique work of art from the beginning, with original decorative ornaments.
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The fourth stage of work is the final high firing. Glazed dishes go into the kiln and are subjected to a temperature of 1200 degrees. During this firing, my pottery gains full strength, the glaze liquefies and forms a thin smooth of glaze.
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Behind the scenes of creating Jira Ceramics - even though the pottery is finished – it requires strict selection. I make sure that the pottery meets my expectations and standards, which I set for my brand.
Low Circulation and Selection
As a person who run author’s studio, I create my works from beginning to end – personally. Starting with sketches, models, forms, going through each stage of working on ceramics, ending with the selection of finished pieces and finally implementing them in my collection. However, such consistency has its price – I create low volumes of work – in return, you get premium ceramics. Although imperfections are in the nature of handicraft, they make it unique.
Finished pieces are also subject to selection. By making your choice, you can be sure that the vessel, which will soon come into your hands, meets the quality standards of my brand. Each piece as a work of my hands is signed with the author’s mark.
Durability and Safety
The ceramics you come into possession of is made of strictly selected materials – search and discovery of them is an important part of my work. And all of this to provide you with something not only beautiful, but also durable and safe. I bet on natural resources that do not contain harmful substances, are of natural origin and the process of their creation / sourcing is the least harmful to the environment. When choosing materials, I put my trust in manufacturers who have the appropriate approvals, certificates.
My ceramics do not require special care. Thanks to the strictly selected materials, you can enjoy my works for many years, even using a dishwasher without any problems. I want my ceramics to give joy and serve effortlessly.
Globetrotter Ceramics
As every artist, I am happy when my works go out into the world. There is nothing more pleasant than the thought that my work will end up in the hands of someone who finds in it a piece of something that is close to both of us. My works are recognized and trusted by customers from around the world.
Mugs, bowls and plates have been sent to such places as Alaska, Canada England, Iceland, Sweden and Australia and more.
Hand Made Jira Ceramics
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