Short Biography

Alison Brannen has been working in ceramics for 12 years in her Toronto studio. Trained as a printmaker, Alison has exhibited prints and drawings across Canada and the USA for 20 years. She has taught low fire salt glazing at St. Lawrence College in Brockville and Pleasant Pottery in Toronto in 2010. Alison created the raku firing program at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts where she teaches ceramics and sculpture. Her current work is included in the 2011 Fusion Fireworks Exhibition and available for sale through the Guild Shop of Toronto and the Alton Mill Gallery in Caledon. Alison exhibits regularly with the Toronto Potters, Two Willows Studio, and at the Neilson Park Creative Centre. Alison has an MFA ( printmaking and photography) from the University of New Mexico and a BFA (painting) from York University.

Artist's Statement

In my work I try to mimic the dynamic forces at play in the earth's crust. Working directly on the wheel and then by hand building, I create "three dimensional drawings" on which the flame plays the final act. My vessels are organic and expressive, rims and edges are altered to create rugged and subtle surfaces on which the smoky, mineral rich atmosphere in the kiln fuses to the surface in unusual ways. I prefer simple ancient pots that reveal the maker's hand and the markings of the fire. My favorite pots are Minoan or Pueblo, burnished earthenware pieces that stored grain or carried water. Ceremonial pots that contained ancestral bones and ashes are of particular interest to me. I strive to make my work appear ancient, eternal and fresh from the fire.

Technical Notes on Low Fire Salt Glazing

My low fire salt glazing is done in a saggar chamber inside an electric kiln. Historically saggars were used to protect glaze ware from wood ash during long firings. Today somewhat paradoxically the chamber is used to keep wood ash and salt close to the pots and help produce a rich reduction atmosphere. My pieces are tumble stacked together with wood chips, pine needles and shredded paper. Copper, cobalt, iron oxide and salt are added to help create the unusual colours and mineral effects. Before firing, each piece is buffed with "terra sigillata" to produce a leather-like surface that attracts smoke. A cold coat of metallic copper is then applied before a final wax seals and protects the surface. These vessels are intended for decorative use.