Decorating a pot can feel like a risky business – although superficial it can make or break the appeal of the object. During the last eighteen years of decorating pots, I have tried not to be timid or conservative and have taken risks, resulting in an embarrassing number of “seconds”… and many I’m proud of.
They are all one-off individuals from small batches. I can remember specific occasions and people who bought some of the pots pictured below, and I like to imagine that they are still in one piece, serving frequent cuppas, pouring, being held and sipped from and generally bringing pleasure.
My inclination to explore decorative techniques and ideas has resulted in considerable diversity which I would like to show you. Some are boldly tonal:
decorated small plate (stoneware) 2020
decorated breakfast cups (stoneware) 2017
decorated small mug (stoneware) 2018
But I have also enjoyed using colour, its energy and exuberance feels life affirming:
decorated teabowls (porcelain) 2012
decorated large mugs and teapot (stoneware) 2020
decorated beakers (porcelain) 2014
decorated small pourer (stoneware) 2019
Some are very quiet:
decorated teabowl (stoneware) 2018
decorated small pourer (stoneware) 2018
decorated small teapot (stoneware) 2017
decorated large plate (stoneware) 2018
decorated teabowl (stoneware) 2017
…and minimal:
decorated small pourer (stoneware) 2018
decorated small pourer (stoneware) 2018
decorated small mugs (stoneware) 2018
decorated bowl (stoneware) 2016
red dot breakfast cups (porcelain) 2009
(perhaps this last image is stretching the meaning of decoration).
Some have muted colours and an earthy feel:
decorated coffee cups (stoneware) 2016
decorated beaker (stoneware) 2018
decorated breakfast cup (porcelain) 2014
There is an intensity or vigour to the earliest decoration:
decorated teabowls (porcelain) 2014
decorated beakers (porcelain) 2006
decorated small and large pourers (porcelain) 2014
…which became more pared down and graphic:
Unglazed teapot 2014
decorated teapot (porcelain) 2014
decorated coffee cup (stoneware) 2020
decorated small pourers (stoneware) 2018
decorated small pourer (stoneware) 2019
decorated breakfast cup (stoneware) 2020
Thanks for reading / looking. I hope you have enjoyed my decoration!
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I have long admired your work. Spare and beautiful. Do you use underglaze colours?
Best Wishes,
Ann Mercer
Thank you so much Ann! Yes, I always decorate on green ware as it allows me to do sgraffito – also to scrape off if I don’t like what I’ve done. I prefer products described as glaze stains as they seem more versatile than underglazes (but probably both would be fine).
With best wishes,
Tilla
Love your work and I am very pleased to see I own some of the pieces in your blog post 😊. Your pieces give me a lot of joy and pleasure to use and appreciate. Best wishes, Zahra
Thanks so much, Zahra, that’s great to hear and makes me very happy!
Best wishes,
Tilla