Gill Banks

Crystalline glazed decorative vessels at Chloris Ceramics

As a late entrant, I was inspired to study #pottery even before my art foundation course, by Billy Adams. My main interest was originally texture, but I discovered crystalline glazing during my degree course at the University of South Wales. After graduating in 2016 followed by an enforced break, I began to develop my practice. I have been fortunate to have been supported by some of the world's finest crystalline glaze experts. 

The magic of crystalline glazing is the way that crystals form from their chemical seeds. The glaze is spread thickly and the crystal formation relies on it being free flowing across the pot when heated, causing the crystals to form at random where the seeds are. Combinations of glaze bases, oxide colourants and complex firing patterns create the finished result. No two vessels can be created alike with this technique, ensuring that each one is a truly unique piece. I aim to create eye-catching conversation pieces for the domestic setting