Behind the scenes - In simplistic terms.
All my ceramic sculptures are handbuilt from scratch. There is never an identical piece !!
No moulds are utilised and I do not have a set plan of what I am building, I make a start with the body and then the fish takes on its own personality. I do sometimes get the urge to build a specific species, although this can change half way through construction if I feel the fish needs to express itself in another form.
Coil construction is the usual technique, though I do dabble in slab construction for pieces such as my boats, or a combination of both for pieces such as my tall batfish (see below)...
The clay utilised is generally a fine 120 mesh white stoneware clay, specially formulated for production ceramics. For me, it has excellent working properties, is very plastic and fires to a high quality white finish which provides a nice crisp canvas for the brilliant coloured glazes.
It takes generally 3 to 5 hours to hand-build a medium sized piece, through to 8 to 12 hours for larger ones.
The finished pieces (greenware) are stored in a drying cupboard for up to 2 weeks, and are then 'bisque' fired in a kiln. The purpose of bisque firing is to render the object more durable, while leaving it porous enough to absorb glaze.
The pieces are then glazed and refired for the final effect. Sometimes there may be a third firing, depending on the type of effect I am seeking.
In all, the turn-around time for the completion of one piece is between 2 to 3 weeks.
Markings:
1999 - the initial " i " was imprinted on the base of the pieces. the dot of the " i " was usually pierced right through the base as a small hole. Some pieces were left unmarked.
2000 to 2005 - the initials " IS " was hand etched on the base of the pieces.
2006 to present - the initials " iS " stamped on the base of the pieces. The font style used, is the same as seen within this fish logo below.
All pieces are labeled with an original sticker underneath as an aditional form of identification if stamp is not easy to see.
Batfish in "green" form prior to bisque firing - Then the same batfish three weeks later fully glazed.