In the late 1960’s, there was a long-awaited permission to leave traditional decorative processes in the professional ceramics world. Many artists looked to commercial products such as decals, lustres and low-fire glazes. My interest in ceramic sculpture included the use of color and a simplification of material. I went from stoneware to a low-fire clay body, so I could get a greater color range and reduce firing time and cost. I researched the market and found that Duncan ceramic products fit my needs perfectly. Keeping the process simple, I elected to work with Duncan’s Cover-Coat® Opaque Underglazes and GL 612 Diamond Clear Glaze.

I apply the underglaze colors directly on my semi-moist work just as I would an acrylic painting, mixing the color on the surface. What I see is what I get—what a wonderful break from using stoneware glazes and guessing at the outcome. The use of Duncan products gives me the freedom to concentrate on the essence of my work, the idea or message, and to keep the process direct without complication.

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