Handmade by Benjamin Owen IV.
Covered in a new glaze, Stardust Blue, this proprietary glaze at Ben Owen Pottery reveals beautiful, variegated hues of blue. Dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Measuring 5.5"dia. x 3.75”h.
Please Note: What appear to be white spots on the surface are reflections from photo lighting.
Benjamin Owen IV (b. 2005), the youngest child of sixth-generation potter Ben Owen III, has been making pots since a young age. Benjamin graduated from Uwharrie Charter Academy High School in Asheboro, NC in 2023. His current passions include governmental science, policymaking, investment, and turning clay in his father’s studio. As a long-standing tradition in the Owen Family, creating with clay is a way for Benjamin to carry on his family’s legacy and connect with his roots. Benjamin’s work has been featured in the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC and the Gallery at Grandover in Greensboro, NC.
Ben III developed this Stardust Blue glaze over a two-year period as he experimented extensively with matte-crystal-growth science. Ben uses his personal air-brush technique to apply up to 6 layers of specifically formulated glazes to achieve this finish. The firing phase of glaze development takes place in a carefully planned and meticulously monitored process. Ben fires the kiln up, holding specific temperatures as the kiln climbs to the goal of 2300 degrees F. He fires the kiln down with equal attention as he stalls temperatures at specific levels to enhance cobalt crystal growth. Ben's Stardust glaze displays an understated matte crystal finish, unlike the shiny crystalline pottery that several NC potters offer. Finally pleased with the outcome of his glaze development in 2012, Ben began selling matte crystalline glazed work to customers in his Seagrove area pottery shop. Stardust Blue glaze was named when a client who worked as a scientist with the Hubble Space Telescope mentioned that the glaze reminded her of actual stardust.
This piece is hand-signed by Benjamin Owen IV with the year made (2024).