PORCELAIN
I generally start with a sketch from which a plaster model is carved. A plaster mould, sometimes consisting of multiple pieces, is then made from the model. The moulds are then used to cast the forms from a high-quality Australian porcelain slip (liquid clay). They are fired to vitreousness which means they become glasslike and are therefore watertight. The matt, coloured finishes are the result of underglazes fired onto the porcelain surface which is polished to achieve a slightly stippled, silky-smooth surface which has a slight sheen. See below for some of the available colour finishes and hover above or click on an image for the corresponding colour name.
Each form has a “bf” stamp embossed at the base.
Care for your buzzby and fang porcelain
To keep your BF forms looking their best they can be dusted with soft cloth or wiped down with warm soapy water. Being a matt finish the lighter colours can accumulate stains over time and these can be removed with a gentle scrub using a fine wet/dry sandpaper with warm soapy water. If they lose some of their lustre a form can be buffed with a bit of oil, bees wax based furniture polish or moisturiser.
STONEWARE
My process usually starts from a sketch translated to a model from which I make a (multipiece) mould. Slabs of stoneware are pressed into the mould and sometimes individually formed segments need to be joined together. Some slab-built pieces are one offs and do not use moulds. The forms are high fired to vitreousness which means the clay becomes glass-like. The stone ware clays I use are generally very coarse which generates the texture of the fired piece. See below for a range of available stoneware finishes and hover above or click on an image an image for the name of the corresponding finish.
Each form has a “bf” stamp embossed at the base.
Drainage holes for planters can be requested when ordering from the wholesale/retail catalogue.
Care for your buzzby and fang stoneware
The stoneware forms are vitreous, however, the assembly of some of the forms means that they do have an internal seam. While care is taken to ensure the vessels are watertight care must be taken when placing water filled vessels on porous surfaces such as wood, stone, or concrete. Self-adhesive felt pads, easily found at hardware stores, can be placed on the base/feet of the stoneware forms to avoid scratching surfaces.
