Chris Barnes
Taking part in Potfest Scotland
Chris Barnes’ work includes a range of hand thrown, one-off bowls, jugs, vases & tableware. These simple forms show off glazes which were developed to exploit
the colour potential of reduction firing. The coloured glazes are formulated from different minerals which bring out particular hues from their colouring oxides. This gives the colour responses in the glazes a depth and intensity not possible with stains.
The potters’ wheel is only a partial mechanisation of making, allowing the hand of the potter into the process. Hand throwing gives every piece a unique character. It allows for subtle variation. The softness and tremor of the hands and fingertips shape the forms, giving each piece individuality.
Chris also makes small Raku fired sculpture. This is hand built using a coarser clay which is able to stand up to the Raku firing process. This involves removing the hot pots from the kiln at about 1000°c, with tongs, and placing them in a bin filled with straw, or other burnable stuff. The burning that takes place as the pots cool results in some local reduction of glazes and charring and smoking, which gives the Raku ware its distinctive quality.