Louise Reding creates gems on clay with her delicate crystalline glazes. The crystal patterns are completely random and beyond the potter's control; they vary from dense patterns, covering the entire surface of the piece, to clusters floating in the glaze. Occasionally, there will be no crystals formed. Each piece forms its own unique crystal pattern which can never be duplicated.
"My glazes are fired porcelain to 2400 degrees F. The kiln is then cooled to around 2000 degrees F and kept at this temperature for 4 to 5 hours more. It is during this soaking period that the crystal formations grow."
Crystalline glazes are among the most difficult glazes to achieve. Success depends upon a precise firing and a controlled cooling cycle. Each vase is a delicate, lovely, one-of-a-kind piece of art.