Brooks Bouwkamp

Baroda, Michigan, USA

Title: Red Square Crystalline Vase

Year of Creation: 2008

Glaze: Crystalline glaze 2 percent copper carbonate, cone 10, post fire

Clay Body: White stoneware

Dimensions: Height 6 inches, Width 5 inches

Artist's Statement: It is only natural that I work with crystalline glazed ceramics, the reason being I've always been fascinated with fireworks, flashing lights, natural surfaces and natural textures. The uncomplicated forms I create do not fight with the visual excitement of the crystalline glazes. Of all the stages in crafting crystalline vessels, the two stages I care for the most are mixing the glazes and firing the kilns. When it comes to my glazes I'm always searching for the NEW; new materials, new information, new colorants and new effects. When working with new materials and glazes, I make adjustments to each firing as needed to ensure the best crystals. In the end my goal is to create work that people can get as much out of as I've put in.