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.
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.
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.
Rae Stark