Christine Aust's Garden Tea Party, 10 in. (25.4 cm) in length, stoneware, glaze over wax resist, fired to cone 5 in an electric kiln, 2024.

I find the elastic malleability of clay provocative and its inevitable transformation into something solid, strong, and enduring, particularly suited to preserving the delicate, often fleeting, images and footprints of the natural world. Surrounded by the beautiful gardens around my countryside home, I am often inspired to mirror the twisting tendrils of vines or the endless variety of leaves and flowers in the surface of my clay vessels. By painting with underglazes, stains, and wax, I am able to impart a lasting impression of Mother Nature’s handiwork. That not only gives me joy, but also a sense of purpose in working in my studio every day. 

1 Throw two bowls with the same rim diameter. Trim them so that the outer profile matches the inner profile.2 Throw a shallow disk for the lid. Make sure it is wide enough bto fit the base.3 Cut the opening in the top bowl 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) smaller than the lid. Trim a gallery for the lid to sit on.4 The lid should sit snuggly. Trim it in place. Then attach any size or shape of knob for the top.

5 Secure the trimmed bottom bowl on a piece of foam before attaching the trimmed top bowl. Smooth the join.6 Attach 3–4 legs to the bottom of the teapot when the piece is leather hard. Make and attach a spout and handle.

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Topics: Ceramic Artists, Functional Pottery, Wheel Throwing Techniques
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