I really enjoy the sgraffito technique of hand carving images on both functional and decorative porcelain pieces. Each ceramic piece is like a fresh canvas where I can practice my passion for drawing.

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My first step is to think about the motif and how it will work on the piece. I set aside the piece to get to the leather hard stage and then I coat it with a contrasting color slip. The slip and the clay are left to stiffen up so that the piece can easily be drawn on and carved.

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Sometimes whimsical, sometimes logical and more realistic and structured, my motifs are inspired by everyday things, such as flowers and birds in the garden or architectural motifs. I enjoy the interplay of drawing the positive image of the motif and carving away the negative spaces around it. Since no two pieces are exactly alike, each experience allows a fresh representation of an idea.

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Rae Stark