Maggie Zerafa
Bio
After completing a BA in Ceramic Design at Monash University, Melbourne in 1992 Maggie moved to Japan to embark on a three year apprenticeship in the Mingei tradition studying under the eminent Mashiko artist Ryo Suzuki. In the following years she went on to work with established potters in France and the UK, eventually opening her own studio and Gallery in 2000 on the Isle of Skye Scotland. Her work is influenced by both the Japanese and European traditions of making. In recent years Maggie has been exploring the potential of crystalline glazes, and developing a range of porcelain jewellery and textiles featuring images taken from her pieces.
Crystalline Glazes
First discovered in China during the Sung Dynasty (AD 960-1279), crystalline glazes are created when crystals of zinc silicate form on the surface of a very fluid glaze. For the past few years I have been exploring the potential of this glazing technique which demands precise control of the firing sequence, heating the glaze to over 1260°c before cooling and re-heating for several hours more in a number of repetitions. During this process the pieces develop growth rings, halos and "auroras," which record changing conditions within the kiln, creating jewel-like surfaces studded with crystals.
Pebble Vases
H16cm x W6cm, H11cm x W9cm
Crystalline Footed bowl
15cm x 16cm
Slab Built Jade Vase
31cm x 20cm
Crystalline Teabowl
9cm x 14cm