I've often been asked about this mark, but I haven't really made an issue out of it yet... This is my Hallmark, my stamp of quality. I've been officially marking my silver work and ceramics with this design since 1997. Although, I need to add, this hallmark has been used since 1989 when the studio was known as the UGA (the Under Ground Armory). This is my stamp of quality. I have not published any work without this work hallmark since 1997.For anyone that's curios, this is Gemini image of 2 vines. It's part of my unofficial marriage tattoo scratched in 1989 when Abbe and I joined together. (It's really almost been 20 years now, Wow!)
For us, this hallmark has been our family meat tag. We were a young biker family, riding thoughout the Southwest. It was part of our family's history. Now, it's our family's Hallmark.
This is a simple bisque stamp that I use to sprigg my hallmark on to my ceramics.
Pack it.
Score it.
Score the surface of the piece.
Press the sprig onto the surface of the scored piece.
This is the finished sprigged hallmark on my studio's greenware.
7 comments:
Amazing! People have asked me about the symbol on the mug(s) we have and I kinda figured it was your symbol and that is what I told them. I like reading the history and seeing the process!
~Hyla
This was cool to see the demo! Great blog!
Peace,
Todd in Santa Fe
Great tutorial and an even better story about the origin of the emblem!
Aha! I was wondering what UGA meant. :) Congratulations on 20 years o' marriage, too. I'm enjoying your blog very much.
-julianna
I kind of figured that mark was something of the sort. I like the way you attach it though... makes it a very integral part of the creating process. I have been toying with different ideas on how to apply or imprint my personal chop to my pieces... one of which is to have a sealing wax imprint made from stone, (there is a place here that will do that) and then using it to imprint. I like your method, as it still stands out no matter how thick the glazing.
I love the effects you get with that crawling white glaze. Is that effect just the way the glaze fires, or is there more to the technique? Would love to learn, as I am starting to teach ceramics in High School in January. (I could use all the tricks and tips I can get!)
Thanks Robert! you noticed the height the sprig gives the chop, elevating it up out of the glaze. It's a great effect, but it does have it's draw back of messing with the stackability of cups and bowls.
The white crawling glaze is finicky, really finicky, but I'm happy to share... Check out glaze recipes on the sidebar.
Thank you sir! Maybe my college prof will let me mix a small batch to test out... He may even enjoy it, as he is always looking for something different.
I liked the pics of your street throwing. That would be a fun time! To throw just for the fun of showing people how it's done... that's great!
I have a few ideas for my own chop, but haven't decided yet which will win out. I'll send you a picture of it when I pick one.
I would appreciate any comments or critiques on my humble works... I am still learning.
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