Here's a few pots...

These next two are experiments. I am trying to make some new surface textures for unglazed pots. I will have a better comparison with these when I make a few more.

Here is a cascade with the stucco finish and Red Iron Oxide stain:

This is a shohin sized oval, same treatment.

Any and all comments are welcomed, bonsai enthusiasts and potters alike

Hi Rob,

Your two new pots I really liked it.
The new structure is very discreet, and fits well with bonsai.
Nice work.

regards
Peter

This pot is a new direction for me. I did some things to its surface for texture with stain to bring some contrast to the pot. Unfortunately, I can't do reduction yet, so it would be interesting to see this with even more contrast. I guess you could say I have a bit of 'reduction envy'

Dale and Andy, you guys have it made!!!

Hi Rob,

This is a wonderful pot.
If the contrast is even greater now, then the pot loses some of its softness.
The surface is so absolutely perfect.
I think you go a good way.

regards
peter

Rob Addonizio wrote:These next two are experiments. I am trying to make some new surface textures for unglazed pots. I will have a better comparison with these when I make a few more.

Here is a cascade with the stucco finish and Red Iron Oxide stain:

Hey Rob.

I was waiting to see what other comments on these lastest would be, but there was lots of silence.

You know I'm a big fan, but I don't love these red iron oxide pots. I guess part of the experimenting process is to also see what doesn't work. I think the color is too harsh and will be difficult to work with. Not to sound like Simon Cowell, but these just aren't up to the quality of your other pots and glazes. Color and texture screams "Mexican" to me. (I'm not a big fan of textured pots anyway.) I can't help but picture cactus and glued on gravel at Home Depot. Well, I guess that sounded like Simon Cowell after all.

(hope I'm still) Your friend,

Russell

Russell,
Please don't feel the least bit overcritical. These are experiments, and I am not afraid to share my learning/selection process as I go.

In order for us to keep this artform (ie Bonsai) alive and fresh, we must allow for experimentation and critique. Although I am not overly proud of these two surface treatments, I want to keep pursuring new ideas, even if the end result doesn't turn out as I had hoped!

My motto, do what works, but never stop growing!

Good to see you here again!
Rob

For what it's worth, I love the oblong pot. I can see what Russel (or should that be Simon?) is saying, but I agree with Peter. I think you should play around with this a little more.

Thanks for the encouragement Harleyrider.

You know, I am still relatively new (less than 10 years) at the bonsai pot 'thing', and there is a LOT of talent in this established group of potters. If I want to be able to develop an interesting and UNIQUE texture or surface quality then I have to find it myself. I am NOT the kind of person to RELY on other potters secrets or techniques to help me along unless it is absolutely necessary. We as potters get influence and inspiration from each other, but it is up to us to develop are own voice, no?

To comment again about what Russell said, I am glad he said what he did because it confirmed what I was already thinking.....(mostly )

Hey Russell,
Did you ever get to potting up that arched blue rectangle from last spring? I would love to see it if you get the chance

Rob

Thanks for not being offended!

Right now that little blue pot is on my kitchen table holding spare change, .

BTW, I do think this one is quite beautiful...

Rob Addonizio wrote:

Maybe this color works better on a shallow pot where it is not quite so overpowering.

Thanks Russell,

I wanted to post a couple from my last round...

This rustic accent measures 2" tall:

I actually waited a bit to post these so as to not take away from our auction, however I don't think it will make a difference...

Here is a soft rectangle with a couple of different glazes:

I took this one from my blog to share on this forum:

And lastly, a large oval measuring 20" across, using several glazes:

Check my website and if you see something that you would be good to auction, let me know.

Rob,
I love seeing your new work; I need to keep up with your site more but you know how consuming school can be. I am glad to see some discussion that are constructive but not 100% positive. I am with you it is necessary to grow. So I thought I would throw in my 2 cents all your pots suck and you should quit now... Just kidding I love your new pots although I agree somewhat with "Simon" however the Red Iron shots can look very different in photo than in person as well. As for the stuff you just posted I love the Rustic one and think your chop it a great embellishment and the surface treatment is top notch. The rectangle is well done and I love the rounded rectangle particularly with those organic feet. It can be surprisingly hard to make something look so fluid and yet very symmetrical. The last one looks like a pretty good size pot but is the only one I am not as fond of. Just my opinion I think it is the base and feet that are not comfortable with my eye. I would like to see the profile curve continue under a little as opposed to kind of going vertical again and I feel like the feet "although not with that style" would be better to be longer. The rounded rectangle does have small feet for its overall width however I like it because it sits a little higher off the ground for its overall height, maybe it would even be more comfortable if the feet were slightly taller???? Well I hope I explained that clearly, but that certainly does not mean others would have the same visual hang ups. Thanks for continuing to share your progress and ideas, and I would not get too hung up with reduction envy your pots are strong "as is".
Robert

[quote="Rob Addonizio"]And lastly, a large oval measuring 20" across, using several glazes: [quote]
Rob: I love your yellow oval!

Maybe it's the application of the oxide or the firing rate? To me it looks more like painted on than stained giving it that southwest feel. As much as I love your style and glaze selections the staining never did it for me. Not sure why as I use oxides almost exclusively.

Those last 3 on your blog are the bomb! Especially the middle one.

Hi Rob,

these are again beautiful pots.
The small square, the third pot is my favorite.

regards
Peter

Robert and Peter

Thanks for your critique. It is very helpful.....

Keith,

Thanks for your support. The stain bottom/glaze top is a carry over from the European style (Andy and Horst), that I fell in love with. It does look better in reduction, in my opinion, and that color will change in the future to a darker brown when I get my gas kiln....

Mr. Walker,
I am humbled from your kind words. Much thanks

Keith,

Thanks for your support. The stain bottom/glaze top is a
carry over from the European style (Andy and Horst), that I fell in
love with. It does look better in reduction, in my opinion, and that
color will change in the future to a darker brown when I get my gas
kiln....

I've looked at those pots and like the appearance as well, you should be able to come pretty close to that in oxidation. Do you mix another ingredient with your oxides? What I meant was the color and texture of your application of the oxide did not do it for me.

Reduction gives a bit of a sheen to the oxide, my example is plain RIO in ^6 in oxidation

Here is a full cascade with some stain and an interesting texture pattern.

This guy has a cracked texture and a turquoise glaze. I would like the feet to be a bit taller, but I still think it has a bit of charm:

Here is medium sized cascade in a tenmoku glaze...

The tenmoku is nice! is it as dark in person as it is in the photo?