Mike Dodd Ash Glaze Vase

Mike Dodd's ceramics are tactile and organic. His rustic shapes appear to draw inspiration from the natural world, and often feature dripping glazes & incised decoration that evokes the essence of seeds or gourds. To amplify the connection with nature, Dodd formulates his glazes and oxides using only local and naturally occurring rocks, ochres and minerals, resulting in a refined colour palette that resonates closely with the Earth itself. What truly sets his renowned work apart is the use of wood-firing which introduces an intriguing element of unpredictability; this firing method further deepens the bond between his ceramics and the natural world.

The organic appearance of this large handmade vase is conveyed by the soft ovoid form, seemingly grown by nature itself. The vase has been wonderfully decorated with roughly incised vertical lines, which break up the thick glaze to create intricate splits and areas of dramatic & varied craquelure, giving this unique vase a distinctive character. 

The matte yellow glaze, although Earth-like, is unusually vibrant for Mike Dodd's work and has a rich hue comparable to an autumn leaf. The glaze turns thick and tar-like towards the rim with an attractive treacle glossiness.