Profile of Erin Pots

Victor then explains to me some of the firing and glazing processes involved in building Erin Pots;

"We have two kilns, a gas fired one and an electric one. It is useful to have the two different types as each has it's own unique qualities. In the gas kiln, a reduced firing can be done, this is where the oxygen to the kiln is reduced and the flame then has to take it's oxygen from the clay itself. This can have some wonderful effects on the colour of the clay and on the glazes. The draw back with the gas kiln is it can be very unpredictable, even being effected by the weather. It also it takes about 17 hours to fire and the majority of this time it has to watched over. The electric kiln is very predictable and has a micro processor, so the whole firing process is done for you."

"Once a pot has been made it has to dry slowly, the exact time depends on the size of the pot. Even the smallest pots need 2 weeks drying time, if they dry out any faster than this the pot will warp or crack. In the summer, we have to go to a lot of trouble to make sure that the pot does not dry to fast, usually by covering them up with cloths. Oval pots of 12" to 18" have to take about 6 weeks to dry, above 18" need eight weeks. Rectangular pots need even more time to dry as much as 12 weeks or they will warp very badly."

"We paint our glazes on and this is why we have such interesting glazes. By brushing our glazes on we can mix different colours in bands or layers which blend when fired, creating wonderful effects. The majority of Bonsai potters dip the pots into the glazes, this method usually gives a very even coloured glaze. We also do unglazed pots, using different types of clay oxides and grog for colours and texture. Oxides are types of mineral such as copper and iron etc. and grog is ground up kiln shelves and props and looks very much like course grit. All our pots are totally frost proof and are fired to 1280 c to ensure this."

Victor and his Dad at Erin Pots are able apply their unique glazes on pots of any size required, so the choices are endless! For custom, bespoke pots contact Erin at their website, linked below.

For more information about Erin Pots visit WWW.ERINPOTTERY.COM

Erin Pots are now available in the US at Shady Side Bonsai