Handmade Wheel-Thrown Ceramic Mug

My name is Shontal, I am a passionate ceramic artist based in Stafford, Australia. I was born in Jordan and moved to Australia in 2001. My love for ceramics dates back to my childhood when I used to accompany my mother to ceramic classes in Jordan. My journey into the world of ceramics began in May 2021, starting with hand building techniques, but I soon found myself fascinated by the art of throwing on the wheel. Being so in love with pottery, I took the bold step of acquiring my own wheel and began perfecting my throwing skills at my home studio.My dedication to mastering the art of ceramics led me to explore glazing techniques with a keen interest in Amaco and Maco glazes. While progressing in my pottery journey, I unexpectedly found myself drawn back to hand building, finding it to be an incredibly relaxing and therapeutic experience. Slab hand building became my canvas for crafting unique and beautiful designs, especially in creating captivating mugs. More recently, I have ventured into the realm of coil hand building, resulting in the creation of some stunning large bowls.Initially, I attended various schools in Brisbane, such as Mas And Meik and Indooroopilly Ceramic Studios, to grasp the basics of ceramics. However, as my skills evolved, I took the initiative to self-educate myself further by exploring different techniques online.Japanese pottery has captured my heart, and I have started incorporating the Japanese style into my ceramic creations. My artistic inclinations lean toward the allure of matte glazes, intriguing textures, and the art of stamping, carving, and utilizing the sodium silicate technique.I prefer using white stoneware clay, which I skilfully enhance with Iron Oxide and Cobalt Oxide stains, adding depth and character to my pieces.In summary, my artistic journey is one of passion, dedication, and continuous exploration. My ceramics beautifully showcase my love for Japanese influence, intriguing textures, and captivating glazing techniques. As I continue to evolve and innovate in my home studio, my work is sure to inspire and delight anyone who appreciates the beauty of handmade ceramics.