ABSTRACT
Soft, red terra cotta is often considered the true expression of the material. Contemporary work exploits the full range of colors, textures and finishes impossible to match with any other single product. Color options begin with direct expression of the structural body resulting from the choice of clay. Metal oxides and chemical additives can be used to expand this range. Color is also affected by the exposure of aggregates in the mix, particularly grog. Texture can be developed at a range of scales, within a single piece or between pieces. The former begins with manual or mechanical interventions into the green clay or fine-grained patterns formed into the surface. A range of finishes can be applied to the clay body beginning with clay slips or engobes that produce soft, matte colors. Most distinctive are glazes, continuous layers of colored glass adhered to the surface. Single fired glazes produce matte or gloss finishes when applied before the initial cycle through the kiln. Particularly intense colors and certain special effects are achieved when glaze is applied to fired products prior to a second kiln cycle. Brilliant metallic finishes can now be achieved without the historic use of precious metals themselves.
