Ryan McKerley

Wax Resist Technique and Soda Firing

On March 1, 2005, guest artist, Austin potter Ryan McKerley gave us a fantastic hour and half demonstration and slide lecture.

Ryan has mastered techniques for painting layers of wax resists over greenware, slips and glaze and then sponging off the surface to reveal the layers below the resists. It is a fascinating and labor intensive process with unique results. By combining this technique with the spontaneity of soda firing and high fire glazes, Ryan has found a beautiful way to personalize his functional pottery forms.

http://www.artofthepot.com/McKerley/index.html

Photos from the Wax Resist Demonstration

Sponging off layers of clay, flashing slips and glaze on greenware.

Revealing the 3-D relief created by the wax resist and sponging process.

Refining the edges with a carving tool.