Functional and Decorative Pottery by Karen Latorre

I make functional pieces in 6 main colour combinations:

light speckled clay with either tan and clear, or red and clear glaze,

dark speckled clay with either tan and clear, or red and clear glaze,

white clay with white and either green or black edges

I make plates, bowls, casseroles, berry bowls, chip/dip sets, goblets, pitchers and other functional tableware.

I occasionally get into making teapots. There are a number of elements that must come together to make a functional teapot. Add to this an element of creativity and each one is truly one of a kind.

Raku is a special process where the pot is removed while at top temperature, then put into a bed of combustibles.

The unique effects on these pots are the result of burning materials stealing the oxygen atoms from the surface of the pots, and of smoke entering the clay body and staining it black.