We chose mid-fire stoneware as our primary medium because of its durability and its exceptional range of glaze character. Unlike painting, glazing is a chemical reaction of organic minerals under heat that begets subtle differences every time. This hands-on process makes each of our lamps unique. We produce in small batches, each kilnload with its own set of nuanced details, color variations and character. Taking this into account, we carefully match lamp pairs so they partner well together.
Our Core Glazes
Fossil Gray
To achieve the refined finish of Fossil Gray, we apply multiple glazes in sequence before firing the vessel. This can yield a vertical striation reminiscent of a Scandinavian hare's fur or a more even, speckled surface. The range is shown below.
Obsidian
Obsidian is a rich black satin glaze with a subtle sheen to its surface.
White Quartz
White Quartz is a satin glaze with an almost crystalline eggshell quality.
Charcoal
Our Charcoal is a rich dark gray with a quiet hint of sage. The glaze treatment at the top of each lamp body results in a range of beautiful textures and draping qualities.
Pigeon
Pigeon is a plush celadon/gray with a glossy surface. The top break on cylindrical forms and the base of some vessel forms often take on a warm honey color before easing into the celadon of the main body. Each firing offers varying nuanced details, from solid color to light speckling.
Special Surface Finishes
Each ceramic surface below is available on select lamp styles. See these finishes on all available lamp styles on our Editions page.
Mesa
We produce custom clay bodies for our Mesa finish in two colors: Wolf, a warm neutral, and Raven, a rich black. Both colors are rugged grogged clay. As we hand-turn each ceramic body and carve into the surface, radial lines form as the grog pulls through the surface of the clay. This rugged finish is texturally contrasted by a similarly colored glazed cap with a smooth satin finish.
Carved
We hand-carve a scalloped pattern for our Carved finish, then apply Anthracite glaze, which runs and softens the surface, resulting in a undulating "hammered" look.
Pale Canyon
We carve horizontal radial markings around our Pale Canyon lamp bodies while the clay is soft. We then layer multiple glazes over the vessels. As the glaze reaches full temperature in the kiln, the surface of the glaze yields slightly on the higher ridges resulting in a slightly warm linear pattern around the vessel.
Bouclé
Our Bouclé finish is a combination of fine carved radial lines and many applications of clay to the surface of each vessel. Once the lamp body is fully dry, we fine-tune the surface before bisque firing. Next we glaze the vessel in our Anthracite glaze, which runs and softens the surface, creating a texture evocative of the nubbly fabric after which the finish is named.
Canyon
As with our Pale Canyon finish, we carve horizontal radial markings around each lamp body while the clay is soft. We then glaze in our Obsidian glaze which has a velvety smooth surface and a subtle eggshell quality.
Wood
We offer four hardwood varieties: Driftwood, White Oak, Walnut and Ebonized Walnut. All of our wood components are locally milled and meticulously hand-turned and finished. We seal each piece to preserve the wood’s character and integrity. Driftwood is our newest finish, a pale gray-washed oak with a matte surface. Our White Oak has an even, consistent grain. Walnut exhibits a rich color and wide range of grain pattern and tone. Ebonized Walnut is a deep satin black that underscores the wood’s texture. All three make our lamps unique. We carefully match wood components when building pairs or multiple-lamp orders.
Metal
We use the highest quality UL-Listed lamp sockets and solid brass stock. Every brass component including the lamp socket is hand-turned and finished in one of two finishes: Satin Brass or matte Blackened Brass.
Lampshades
Our 100% linen lampshades are produced by hand by a family-owned company not far from our workshop. Each style of lampshade is available in White, Cream and Natural. The White Linen is a bright, clean white. The Cream is a warm white. The Natural linen has a heathered tan-gray appearance. We match the metal hardware on our shades to the hardware on the lamp.
