Richard T. Hess
Richard T. Hess Pottery Studio
519 4th St
Galena, Illinois 61036
512.731.1073
theclaymeister@gmail.com
My work is hand-built, slab constructed and characterized by alternative firing techniques. I have been best known for my creation of stylized horses but enjoy designing and working with other forms.
I am presently producing unique, handcrafted funerary urns. The urns that I make are are both decorative and functional and come in a variety of sizes and finishes.
The surfaces of my pieces are treated either by applying horsehair or a Raku glaze. The horsehair carbonizes into the clay and produces black lines that resemble marble. The glazed pieces are removed red hot from the kiln and placed into a metal container of combustible materials. A lid is then immediately placed on the container to shut off or reduce the oxygen supply. This reduction process produces a range of finishes including a coppery, iridescent finish.
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