Demonstration by Pat Kennedy: Making a ‘Cracked Pot’

During his demonstration at ‘Bonsai by the Harbour 2012’ Pat Kennedy also made two of his signature ‘cracked’ pots. Pictures below show how he makes the round pot. These pictures would be handy for those who use potter’s wheel.

1 – Throwing a cylinder.
2-3 – Creating grooves on the outer surface.
4 – Applying sodium silicate on the outer surface.
5 – Drying the outer surface with a heat gun.
6 – Applying a coat of white clay.
7-11 – Expanding the outer rim of the pot.
12 – Cracks are examined on a stopped wheel.

He attaches the feet later when the pot is leather hard. After drying, the pot is bisque fired and given a ‘wash’ with iron oxide to highlight the cracks. After that it is fired to stoneware temperature.