Australia's pottery scene has seen a remarkable surge of inspiration from the the unique colour pallet of our Australian Landscape, primarily Central Australia. Hence the rise in popularity of our new addition to the Mid Fire Keane family; Red Earth.
A Colorful Connection to Central Australia
Red Earth clay is a captivating addition to the Mid Fire Family, capturing the essence of the rich color palette found in the rocks and sands of central Australia. This infusion of natural beauty into the clay's character makes it stand out among our red clays. The earthy red and warm brown tones it offers are reminiscent of the stunning landscapes that inspired its creation by Christopher James in 2021.
Versatile for Both Throwers and Slab Formers
One of the standout features of Red Earth clay is its versatility, catering to both throwers and slab formers. Artists working on utilitarian scale functional objects can seamlessly mold this clay into their envisioned designs. Whether you're crafting delicate pieces on a wheel or shaping slabs for distinctive creations, Red Earth clay provides the ideal consistency and pliability to bring your artistic visions to life.
Infusing Warmth to the Table
Potters who seek to infuse a touch of warmth and vibrancy into their pieces find Red Earth clay to be the perfect medium. Its unique ability to deepen in color depending on the firing cone brings a dynamic aspect to the creative process. When fired to Cone 6, the clay transforms into a rich brown earth tone, while at Cone 5, it retains its captivating red hues. This dynamic color transformation allows potters to play with a spectrum of shades, adding depth and personality to their work.
A Canvas for Creativity
Red Earth clay fits most mid fire commercial glazes. Whether your preferences lean toward bright and lively shades or the subtle elegance of earth tones, this clay provides an exquisite canvas. Many artists choose to leave its natural body exposed, showcasing the stunning burnt red tones that are uniquely its own. The interplay between the clay's natural hue and the glaze's transformative properties results in pieces that tell stories of warmth, nature, and creativity.
From Sunburnt Orange to Earthy Red
Red Earth clay's journey begins with a raw body that exudes a warm, sunburnt orange hue. As it progresses through the firing stages, it undergoes a fascinating transformation. At bisque firing, it retains its sun-kissed orange shades, only to deepen into that renown earthy red at glaze temperatures. This metamorphosis is a testament to the clay's inherent ability to surprise and delight artists at every step of the making process.
Finer Texture and Kindred Connections
Unlike its red counterparts, Red Earth clay doesn't contain added grog. This attribute endows it with a refined and smoother texture, offering a tactile experience that's both enjoyable and distinct. For those who appreciate the clay's earthy red tones but desire more grog at higher firing temperatures, its closest relative is Red Terracotta – a connection that underscores the dynamic spectrum of artistic possibilities within the realm of ceramics.
Image Credit: Sharyn Vam Ceramics
As our Australian pottery scene continues to flourish, Red Earth clay stands as a testament to the beauty and creativity that emerge when nature's palette comes to life at the potter's wheel.
