Jane Bialek

Smoke-Fired, Hand built Vessels

I have been making hand built pots at Baltimore Clayworks for about 15 years after taking various classes in wheel throwing. I am particularly interested in the shapes of pots- the more subtle lines and shapes created by hand. Native American and African pots influence me.

My approach to making pots is simple. With no particular image in my mind I start out with small pieces of wet clay, pinching them, scraping and paddling them together. I have no preconceived image of the piece but follow what suggests itself as I go along. Sometimes I incise or impress a pattern into the clay. Most pieces I burnish with a small stone- wetting and rubbing a small area at a time. Then I fire in an electric kiln to cone 08 (1250 degrees). After firing, I place my pots in a metal can with paper and set the paper on fire, covering and uncovering the can in order to produce a smoky atmosphere. The flames sometimes create patterns on the pots and the smoke darkens the clay body. Finally, while the pot is still hot I rub it with vegetable shortening- gentle rubbing with a soft cloth brings out the shine of the surface.

Jane Bialek was brought up in New York, attended the University of New Mexico and graduated with a degree in anthropology from the University of Arizona. After working as a social worker and a nursery school teacher in New Mexico and New York she moved to Baltimore, raised three children and has been making pots at Baltimore Clayworks ever since.