Hand-thrown by Benjamin Owen IV. Covered in a Ben Owen Pottery proprietary glaze, Turquoise Crystalline Measuring 5.25”dia. x 5.25”h.
Please Note: What appear to be white spots on the surface are reflections from photo lighting.
The Turquoise Crystalline glaze from Ben Owen Pottery was developed over several years by manipulating glaze materials and tweaking the crucial cooling process used during the kiln firings. This brilliant blue color is made from a combination of copper and cobalt. Examples of blues like this have inspired Ben III from Middle Eastern pottery and the semi-precious stone, Lapis lazuli. A range of colors is achieved through special application and firing techniques. The crystals are formed within the glaze along the surface of the vase during the cooling process of a kiln firing. Due to the unique chemical properties during crystal formation, no two crystals are alike. This glaze lends itself to creating completely individualized pieces.
Benjamin Owen IV (b. 2005), the youngest child of sixth-generation potter Ben Owen III, is a Junior at Uwharrie Charter Academy High School in Asheboro, NC. His current passions include cross country, governmental science and policymaking, and investment. While keeping task with his school assignments, Benjamin enjoys turning clay on the wheel 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 is featured in galleries such as the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC as well as the Golf Shop of the renowned Grandover Resort in Greensboro, NC.
This piece is hand-signed by Benjamin Owen IV with the year made (2024).