The word "sgraffito" comes from the Italian sgraffiare , meaning "to scratch." It is the art of revealing beauty by removal. Instead of adding imagery, we uncover what lies beneath the surface. Timing, touch, and restraint are crucial—force is not the answer. Long before sgraffito became a part of European art history, it was practiced instinctively by ancient potters. These artisans incised leather-hard vessels, carving stories, symbols, and rhythms into clay bodies thousand
Adding oxides to terra sigillata is a delicate way to infuse the surface with subtle, earthy color while preserving its smooth, reflective quality. Because oxides are finely ground minerals, they integrate naturally with the clay rather than sitting on top like a paint, making them ideal for burnishing and sgraffito. For 10 oz: Red Iron Oxide : 0.3 to 2 percent 0.9 g → soft blush, warm clay skin 1.8 g → classic iron earth 5.7 g → deep red brown, sheen begins to soften Yellow
What is Clay? Clay comes from the ground, but what is it really? Why is it different from regular dirt or soil? Understanding Soil and Clay Soil is primarily made up of mineral elements that have weathered and broken down into smaller particles. Clay represents the smallest particle size of these minerals, which originate from nearby mountain ranges. What Makes Clay Unique? Clay minerals have a unique structure, resembling stacked pages. Most clays are phyllosilicates, meanin
A thoughtfully curated list of tools I use, including those we explored together, offered to support the continued growth of your relationship with the material.
Blue Vervain ( Verbena Officinalis) is a purple flower that is sacred in many ancient civilization, including ancient Egypt. It is believed that Vervain's flowers grew from the tears of Goddess Isis, as she mourned the death of her husband Osiris. This flower is gentle herb used for emotional and psychological well being. Vervain is considered a nervine, an herb that is taken over time to restore and nourish the overstimulated and burnt-out nerves. Anxiety, PMS, mood swings,
