There’s a quiet moment in the studio when a piece finally starts to come alive. When I began this wave sculpture vase, I wanted to capture the rhythm of water and the energy of the coast. Using stoneware clay, I built the form slowly, letting each curve develop naturally. I’ve always loved handbuilding because it lets me feel the clay respond in real time. It stretches, resists, and softens, almost as if it has its own opinion. Each line and ridge became part of a larger flow that reminded me of waves curling and retreating along the shore.
The Surface as a Canvas
As I worked on this ceramic wave sculpture, I thought a lot about movement. I wanted the form to invite light in, not just bounce it off. Every fold and ridge became a place where light could rest for a moment before sliding away. When I step back and see those shadows forming naturally, I know the surface is doing its job.
The Relationship Between Glaze and Form
With this sculptural vase, I wanted the colors to echo the feeling of being near the ocean. I used a combination of several different glazes to create this look, but no matter how you think your piece will turn out, the kiln still surprises me. When I opened the lid and saw how the colors had blended and broken along the edges, it felt like the sculpture had finished itself. The glaze found its own way, just as the clay had earlier. That is the beauty of ceramics; it is never entirely in your control.
Light as a Collaborator
I often think of light as the final artist in the process. It reveals the story hidden in the surface. In morning light, this vase feels soft and cool, almost misty. By afternoon, warm tones start to appear, and by evening, it glows with deeper bronze undertones. The piece changes as the day moves and has a life of its own. That transformation is what keeps me coming back to sculpture. Clay, glaze, and light are constantly in conversation, and each one brings out something different in the others.
A Reflection on Process and Growth
Working on the Wave Sculpture Vase reminded me why I fell in love with handbuilding in the first place. It is slow, intuitive, and deeply personal. Every touch, every adjustment, every glaze choice becomes part of the story. This piece feels like a turning point for me, a blend of everything I’ve learned with a willingness to let go a little more and trust the process. I think that is what makes sculptural ceramics so special. They hold a record of the artist’s movement, but they also leave room for light, air, and time to change them. The longer you live with a piece, the more you see.
Own a Unique Piece
If you are an art collector, boutique owner, or someone who appreciates one-of-a-kind handbuilt ceramics, I would love to connect with you. Each piece I create is unique, and I am always open to discussing custom commissions, wholesale opportunities, or collaborations. Please feel free to reach out to me directly to explore how my work could become part of your collection or store.
