This is a new hand-thrown bowl by Benjamin Owen IV. Covered in a Ben Owen Pottery proprietary glaze, Cobalt Crystalline. Measuring 4.75”dia. x 2.75”h.
Please Note: What appear to be white spots on the surface are reflections from photo lighting.
Cobalt Crystalline
The Cobalt Crystalline Glaze series was carefully developed by Ben Owen III over several years. Various glaze materials with the potential to create unique surfaces and patterns were methodically manipulated during test series after test series until crystal formation became somewhat replicable. Many of these crystal formations have been viewed as a comparison of various natural occurrences in the Earth’s environment. Some resemble lichen on stone, lily pads floating along a lake or pond, moss on a tree trunk, and even blue jellyfish floating in deep ocean waters.
To achieve this rare find, the kiln temperature is meticulously controlled as it rises AND as it falls, to encourage crystalline growth at specific temperatures. The glaze is applied by carefully airbrushing multiple layers of complementary glazes. The presence of titanium- and zinc-rich ingredients promotes crystal development, while the pigment cobalt tints the crystals blue and the pigment iron tints the background. We hope you enjoy this one-of-a-kind glaze!
Benjamin Wade Owen IV
Benjamin Wade Owen IV (b. 2005), the youngest child of sixth-generation potter Ben Owen III. Creating with clay is a way for Ben IV to carry on his family's legacy and connect with his roots. Ben IV's work has been featured in galleries such as the Mint Museum in Charlotte, N.C. as well as the Golf Shop of the renowned Grandover Resort in Greensboro, N.C.
Ben IV is currently studying law at Liberty University and will continue to make pots for Ben Owen Pottery. When home, Ben IV enjoys spending his spare moments turning clay in his family's studio in Seagrove, N.C.
This piece is hand-signed by Benjamin Owen IV with the year made (2024).