About Crystalline Glazes

Soft Dawn Vase featuring delicate pastel pink and cream tones with a smooth, glossy finish and a subtle organic shape, set against a dark backdrop

High Stakes Holds

Crystalline ceramics are created through a highly specialized glazing and firing process that encourages the growth of crystal structures within the glaze itself. After shaping and bisque firing the piece, a proprietary glaze rich in zinc and silica is applied. The pottery is then fired to an extremely high temperature, at which the glaze melts into a glass-like state. At this stage, the kiln is carefully cooled and held at specific temperatures for several hours, allowing the crystals to form and grow. This delicate balance of heat, chemistry, and time results in unique, naturally occurring patterns—each piece is one of a kind, with no two surfaces ever developing the same way.

Shop Our Latest Pieces

Because crystalline glazes are highly fluid at peak temperature, they tend to run off the pot, making it necessary to use glaze catchers. These catchers are placed beneath each piece to collect excess glaze, preventing it from fusing to the kiln shelf. Once the firing is complete, the catchers must be carefully removed— requiring precise work to separate them without damaging the delicate ceramic. Even with extreme caution, many pieces are lost in this stage. The bottom of each surviving piece is then painstakingly finished using a diamond sanding disk, smoothing away any rough edges. The entire process has an inherently high failure rate, with cracks, warping, and glaze mishaps being common, making every successful piece a testament to both skill and patience.

  • Macro close-up of vibrant blue crystalline formations on a ceramic glaze, showcasing intricate patterns and depth. Captured by photographer Kelly Hofer.
  • Tan crystalline glaze in extreme close-up, revealing organic, sunlit patterns that shimmer with texture and depth. Photographed by Kelly Hofer.
  • Detailed view of blue crystals spreading across the ceramic surface, their delicate structure resembling frost or blooming flowers. Photography by Kelly Hofer.

Reduction Firings & Acid Baths

While most crystalline glazes are fired in an oxidation atmosphere (where ample oxygen is present), additional reduction firings can be done, where controlled amounts of carbon-rich fuel create a low-oxygen environment. This process alters the way the glaze components react, sometimes intensifying colors or introducing unexpected variations in the surface. Additionally, some pieces undergo an acid bath after firing, where a mild acid solution removes excess glaze, revealing a more defined and vibrant crystalline structure. These techniques add further complexity and unpredictability, making each finished piece a true collaboration between the artist and the elements.