Hi. I’m Tara, and I enjoy playing with mud.
Nothing is more soothing than the squish of clay between my fingers. It is quite satisfying
to take dirt and turn it not only into a functional vessel, but one that looks like
no other. The whimsy of vintage cookie cutters, along with the unusual method of
the soda-firing technique have become the style of my work.
I started taking classes at Northern Clay Center about 10 years ago, and have become passionate with the process and obsessed with the outcome of ceramics ever since.
All of my vessels are wheel thrown, with some form attached or imprinted in the piece. All of my jewelry is hand made, with glass crystals attached.
Each piece is both microwave and dishwasher safe.
Why are soda-fired pieces unique?
After the bisqued ceramics are glazed with liners and accents, they are heated to cone 10 (2350°F) in a gas-fired kiln. Towards the end of the firing, when the kiln reaches top temperature, a solution of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and soda ash (sodium carbonate) is sprayed into the kiln to create a special atmosphere. The intense heat causes the soda to vaporize, and the flame carries it throughout the kiln. When the soda vapor lands on the ceramics, it creates a glaze. The flame sets more soda on the piece where it hits directly, and less where it dances around. This creates an unpredictable surface effect, and a delightful surprise in the shift of color and luster. Since each kiln load has varied ceramics, creating a different atmosphere, the path of the flames will vary as well.
Most of my pieces are soda-fired, which allows the ability to create each one as a functional, unique work of art.