About

Ariana Heinzman was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and currently lives and works on Vashon Island in Washington. Her work represents the dueling desires of succumbing to nature and controlling it. She creates functional objects, sculpture, and tiles that blend floral imagery, utilitarian vessels, and the body.

 Process

Each form begins with a slab of clay. From there, coils are layered to shape the form. The coils are smoothed and left to partially dry. Once leather-hard, the leaf shape is cut. Smaller works have been slip-cast from forms made this way. The pieces are bisque fired, then using underglazes and glazes, the patterns are layered onto the form by hand using brushes. Extra layers are necessary for bolder color. The piece is then fired to full temperature (cone 6).

Care

Although the outside of the form is left with a matte finish, the pigment has been fired to full temperature and therefore can get wet and will not fade in the sun. There is risk in leaving ceramic pots in the elements during freezing temperatures, however the clay used has an absorption rate of 2.5% or less, well below the standard for outdoor ceramics.

Similar to wood, scuffs or marks can appear on the surface overtime. A thin layer of oil can be applied to brighten the surface.