CNJceramics

By day I am an engineer, but by night I am an artist...

My ceramics are all hand painted and unique one of kind pieces. I generally find my inspiration through my southwest locale and my own modern edge. My pieces tend to stay simple with statements made through bold color, minimal designs and mix media.

The primary material I work with in my ceramics is earthenware; one of the oldest materials used in pottery. All of my clay pieces are created by slipcasting or press molded.

All of my pieces go through a 2 step firing process once the piece is formed with greenware. The pieces are fired to bisque (Cone 04), which creates a rigid working space for me to glaze the piece. In order to achieve the brilliant colors you see on my finished work I use 3 layers of under glazes. I then hand stamp my work with my logo into each piece prior applying 2 coats of clear glaze and then firing it again to cone 06. Each piece is created with lead free, non-toxic glazes and therefore unless otherwise noted the pieces are food and water safe.

Feel free to follow my work on my blog at: cnjceramics.wordpress.com

Notes on PHOTOS -- Photographing high glaze ceramics is tricky. I try to achieve the "truest" color by not using a flash and taking photos in a photo box backlit by a natural light. Unfortunately, sometimes the only way to "document" the detail in one of my paintings is through using a flash, which ultimately "changes" the colors and usually adds a bright "hot-spot" or two on the piece, hence the discrepancy you will notice in some of the photos depicting the same piece of artwork.

Notes on Handling -- All of my products are made of high quality clay and glazes and therefore my pieces do not contain any harmful substances such as cadmium or lead. These items are individually handcrafted; they will occasionally slightly vary in color, shape, and design.
All of my products are dipped in a protective glaze makes the piece a breeze to clean

Although the pieces are handcrafted, they are quite durable and can be used on a daily basis. The ceramics I produce are generally chip resistant, dishwasher safe, microwave safe, oven safe (up to 400°F) and freezer safe.

I suggest allowing your ceramic piece to reach room temperature when transferring it from a refrigerator to an oven or microwave. Never allow the piece to drastically change temperatures in a short amount of time.