1. To create the three dimensional mold I must make two separate mold pieces. The mold is created with plaster of paris. This takes several days as I can only cast 1/2 of the mold at a time.
2. When the mold is dry I treat it with chemicals. Then I cast a new image with the clay. This is actually done with two halfs. When the clay has set then I remove both pieces, and join them together with a method we call "slipping & scoring".
3. The Ceramic piece, which is what we call "Greenware" is left to dry before it is able to go through the first kiln firing. The greenware is then fired in the kiln for approximately 12-18 hours using a temperature method we call "cones". Most clays are fired at 6-12 cones.
4. After the greenware is fired, we call it "ceramic bisque". The Bisque is then painted with a special type of paint we call glaze. The glaze is manufactured to withstand the high heat of the kiln. Then the glazed bisque is fired a second time to allow the glazing to attach itself to the clay. The heat is so intense that the glaze actually melts from the heat. This process takes approximately 12-16 hours, then we must allow the pieces to cool before we open the kiln to keep the clay from bursting.
1. First the image must be etched into the surface of the plastic, wood or plate. If using a zinc plate, heated resin must be applied to the plate first. If making a multi-colored print, then the image is made in layers.
2. If using a zinc plate, the etched surface must be soaked in a mixture of water and acid in order for the image to be permenantly embedded in the plate. Then the resin is removed.
3. To create the print we apply paint to the plastic sheeting, finished zinc plate or wood carving using a roller. Damp paper is placed over the plate and etched into the paper using a large printing press.