Don Reynolds | Decoration Nation

VIRTUAL ARTIST DEMO

This demonstration will focus on the techniques of layering colors of underglaze and wax to create crisp, colorful patterns on ceramic objects. Don will share the tools, and processes he uses to decorate bone dry greenware with commercial underglazes. He will have pieces in various stages of the process (like a cooking show!) so he can demonstrate all of the steps to the participants. Discussions will include, what is underglaze, and how is it different from slip, deciding when in the making process to decorate, dividing the space on your forms into areas for patterning (or not), choosing the right brushes for the job, and creating the illusion of precision while arranging repetitive marks into compelling patterns.

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*This Virtual Event was originally aired Tuesday January 25th, 2022, 7pm, Eastern Time via Zoom.

Don Reynolds

Originally from Farmington Hills, MI, Don Reynolds is a graduate of the University of Michigan – School of Art. Don currently lives in Bridgeport, CT, and teaches at Clay Art Center, and at the Silvermine Arts Center. Don’s functional ceramic work has been included in many exhibitions throughout the United States, and can be seen in the January/February 2022 issue of Pottery Making Illustrated.

Don states, “My work is all about ornamentation. Using simple forms as blank slates to adorn, I arrange repetitive marks into compelling patterns that celebrate both the objects and their users.  I reference the rich history of decorative language throughout the ages, and combine those findings with my attraction to the colorful spectacles of modern times including the circus, the rodeo, county fairs, Mardi Gras / Carnival, (punk) rock and roll, casinos, gay culture, and other assorted roadside attractions which exude a gaudy allure.  Contrasting colors and patterns celebrate the diverse range of personalities/possibilities that are revealed as the work progresses.”