Roger Bell

My work is mainly handbuilt. Many pieces start from rolled out slabs of clay cut from a template and assembled with other cut pieces to form a three dimensional form. Patterning may be applied by pressing a pattern into the clay or incising with a wooden tool – whatever is appropriate. 

The clay I use depends on the end product I am making. Most contain grog (pre-fired clay) to reduce shrinkage and distortion in drying.. Some are near white, but I also use a terracotta clay and a black stained clay. For work incorporating metal or pre-fired ceramics I use paperclay – the cellulose fibres added to the clay minimize shrinkage and risk of cracking.

All work is biscuit fired. Glazes and oxides are then applied to all or part of the surface. Most larger pieces are then fired to 1190 degrees. Many smaller pieces and some plaques are raku fired. Ware is taken out of the kiln red hot at about 1050 degrees and covered in sawdust. The end result is black from the carbon on unglazed areas and the glazed areas form cracks which take in carbon. 

Sculptural pieces may incorporate other materials or be placed on plinths of wood or slate.

www.rogerbellceramics.yolasite.com