Expert: Leisha Hiester - 6/18/2008

Question
I recently created a bowl using the pinch pot method and carved a design into it.  I glazed it and fired it, only to find out it had a small gap in the glaze in a carved-out indent.  I intended to use it as a cereal bowl--is it safe to use?  The glaze is lead free, dishwasher-safe, everything.  Is it all right to have that little unglazed spot (the rest is fine) or will I have to use it for something else?

Answer
Roselyn,

Congratulations on successfully creating your own bowl! There is something so very soulful about using an item you made with your own hands.

You didn't say whether the unglazed spot is on the inside or the outside? I'm assuming it is on the outside since you stated it's in a 'carved-out' area. It's fine to have an unglazed spot outside. In fact, it can be a technique for design intentionally. Some artists use resist products like 'wax resist' for this.

Depending upon the firing, your bowl was subjected to 1,800 to 2,300 degrees. The clay, if fired properly is vitrified. Depending on the clay, you may even notice a slight sheen to the clay. So, eat up your Wheaties!!

Leisha