A Vase's Journey - Iron, Refires & Failures.

This video has been a long time in the making... You may remember this vase being thrown and trimmed with clay wedged full of iron spangles. Well, this is the conclusion, finally, more than a year later, as this wheel thrown stoneware vase has now been reduction fired THREE times with two additional coats of yellow iron ochre. Phew - thanks for watching and let me know what you think of the final, almost metal-looking, vase.
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⏱ • Timecodes:
0:00 - Introduction
0:16 - Mixing Iron Oxide Spangles into stoneware
1:47 - Throwing the vase
7:23 - Trimming the vase
11:40 - Packing the electric kiln for a bisque firing to 1000ºC
12:52 - Waxing the vase
13:24 - Glazing the vase
17:22 - Packing and reduction firing my Rohde gas kiln to 1290ºC
18:48 - Talking about pyrometric cones and digital pyrometers
20:18 - The (finished) vase
20:42 - Coating the vase in Iron Oxide Yellow Ochre
22:42 - Firing the vase a second time
23:25 - Coating the vase in Iron Oxide Yellow Ochre AGAIN
23:55 - Packing and firing the gas kiln AGAIN
24:44 - THE ACTUAL FINISHED VASE
*It's worth noting! That you won't get the same results as I do if you're firing in oxidation. The reduction firing really helps with this process.
*I throw using both a Rohde HMT 500 & 600 potter's wheel and fire using Rohde kilns too, the electric is a TE-200 and the gas kiln is a KG-340.
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[@dmitra9457]

Personally the first firing was my favorite, but the amount of effort you put in at every stage is incredible.

[@ryan-uu9lj]

I would agree. I thought the first was gorgeous.

[@Stostri]

Agreed, I think the first one was great.

[@bubaks2]

I liked the first firing aswell

[@mozarteanchaos]

agreed. the end result is really nice, but i personally found the first firing to be more visually interesting. everyone's got their own tastes, i suppose ^^

[@kimgage4354]

I agree. Each stage was impressive however, I really liked the first firing the best.

[@griefman6550]

I actually loved the pot after the first firing. The subsequent results were lovely too but I liked the super speckled one.

[@kirkstinson7316]

The first firing had a wonderful granite look to it or maybe a green ancient marble. The final firing had a nice metallic copper look to it but first is still my favorite

[@Pipsqwak]

It looks almost like bronze or copper with a deep, ancient patina. I like it! I've been wondering what happened to the yellow-glazed pot, and it turned out really interesting. Thank you for this fascinating follow-up!

[@bjrn-oskarrnning2740]

Have you considered doing a set of items where you skip various steps (fettling the glaze, leaving various levels of texture, holding the pots in glaze for too short/too long, etc etc)? I think it would be interesting for all of us to see the effects of the various steps!

[@AtomicShrimp]

Super interesting to see this journey. I think it's sometimes worth breaking your own normal protocols and processes and seeing if the material has any surprises for you

[@mariya4994]

Hello there Mr. Shrimp

[@liriodendronlasianthus]

Mike!

[@PaulJHershey1]

You are a Master Potter, I am a novice who hasn't touched clay spinning on a wheel for decades. With that stated, I know what I like and honestly, I found the speckled first-fired version the most attractive. 'Geschmacksache' is a German word for 'a matter of taste' - and that's what this comes down to - individual taste and preferences. TY - a very enjoyable Vlog of how you work and your creative skills while doing so. Best regards.

[@neeharika422]

Hey, another bedtime upload! I'm guessing you have a schedule for uploading then. Felt down all day, hoping this will calm me down :)

[@ragnkja]

Every Sunday at 1600 British time.

[@floriangadsby]

That’s it!

[@Raisopod]

I've been waiting to see how this one turned out, it's certainly unique! It almost looks like it was cast from bronze rather than stoneware and iron. The initial result looked like a more extreme version of the Fleck clay that you tested a couple months ago, very over the top and aggressively patterned. Maybe some would like that result, I think it looks a bit too "noisy", almost like TV static.

[@ragnkja]

A smaller amount of iron spangles could be cool. And I’m really not surprised that yellow iron oxide stains everything, since it’s the main colourant of yellow ochre, a well-known paint pigment. The finished pot looks cool.

[@rachelo9181]

The third firing of that pot looks absolutely gorgeous!

[@sanfordgfogg]

I find it fascinating how your creative process for experimental processes can take so long. It amazing me how you are able to track the differences over such a long period. Your work is mesmerizing.

[@PaulByrne-ev2zm]

Funny thing is I liked each iteration. The last is certainly the most unique of the group. As you mentioned, it is one of a kind that speaks to your experience and creative eye.

[@nexusofice9135]

Family friends of mine were potters for a living. They are what got me into ceramic work. One of the most memorable things were their clever use of pyometric cones. They would sculpt little dragon heads onto the base and after glazing they would look like little dragons. They sold them as "Shelf Dragons". I always thought that it was a clever use of a consumable.

[@jredmane]

I'm glad you wound up with something you enjoy, that is worthy of the time and care you put into it! At some points I was worried you might just break it and be done. What a beautiful finish!

[@FerreTrip]

Throughout the throwing part, I was just watching with sheer jealousy that you could center it so damn well.

[@rafa_br34]

I don't have any valuable pot-making knowledge, but the first firing looked the best in my opinion.

[@memnun5615]

every stage was absolutely stunning in its own right -- seeing what it has become, i definitely understand the disappointment with the first one. it would be interesting to see this idea expanded upon further, there's definitely merit to this experiment!

[@ThatNerdyCatholic]

I love that it now looks like a very old rusty iron jar, it has so much character.

[@bubaks2]

The narrator was superb in explaining every little detail. Was an informative video shot with a cinematic quality. thank you.

[@Bethman]

Such an interesting process. It makes me want to experiment more with my glazes.

[@dinissantiago6729]

I quite liked how all the phases looked, but I think the las one is definetly the best. lovely video as always!

[@itsandrewalexander]

This seriously one of the most gorgeous pots you've ever made.

[@Zipeed]

I would love to see you attempt a concept you talked about a long time ago, where you leave the distinct, deep grooves from your initial carve with the rounded part of your favorite trimming tool. And then fire the pot like that, just to see how the glazes break and drop over the many sharp edges.

[@aramkrikorian9460]

This was very well narrated.

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you! That means a lot, this video had more than 2,000 audio attempts/recordings in order to get to the final thing, I wish I was a more naturally talented speaker!

[@crackerjack010101]

I’ve loved this pot at every stage!

[@hannahstraining7476]

I appreciate your journaling of this pot's full journey. I quite liked the pot after it's first firing. Definitely more spangly than your signature style, but it had a granite-like appearance, and the spots created a lot of drama.

[@harshclimate]

First firing was my favorite as your beautiful glaze was still up front and center. I like that you can see the coloring first, then your eyes were pulled in even further with the speckling. The other stages were similar in interest, but my personal taste was deterred by the color. Of course, your minimalist style can't be mistaken, so with the different colors, it's still known to be a work by Florian Gadsby... which is what makes you one of my favorite potters.

[@advanceringnewholder]

I LOVE the over the top iron specs

[@petegalvs]

It's always a treat and a joy to watch the process, and seeing these stages of experimentation is particularly fascinating. I really like the aged metallic look of the yellow iron oxide finish. The spangles were a bit much in the original pot, but I loved the last firing, even though the clay had started to degrade. Amazing work, as always!

[@billwilson7823]

Go for it brother. What have you got to loose? A thrice fired pot that you can make another of, or, gaining more knowledge of how far you can take it? Put another three coats on! See where this goes.

[@JPxKillz]

Wow the first burn looked like a dinosaur egg :O absolutely breathtaking, I was so confused when you started critiquing it, and surprised when you colored over it. It looked like a masterpiece.

[@InnerBushman]

I really liked how it looked like the first time it came out of the kiln. The speckles were nicely contrasting with the green glaze. 20:28

[@geekbruin]

Your video is pleasantly informative. Thanks for taking the time to do the narration.

[@PennyRitz]

Each stage was beautiful. I think I preferred the first firing, but again, they were all wonderful. Your attention to detail is perfection. Another technique I want to maybe try someday!

[@artfx9]

Florian. A pleasure.

[@juanQuedo]

I quite liked the pot after the first firing. Although at the final firing came with those patches of silver that look very cool. Wonder how far it could go and its results. By the way, saw a fairly large flat plate in one of the firings. It would be interesting to see your insight on fairly flat pots/objects, tricks for avoiding warping and such.

[@lauraserwe864]

I love the way this pot turned out! It would be fun to see how more firings turn out. Thanks.

[@gal88b]

Fascinating! Sure you have super high standards for your own work but to me both the 2nd and the 3rd iterations looked absolutely stunning.

[@gingeridot]

I find all stages very interesting. The end result looked almost like a vase dressing up as a cauldron; the first firing reminded me of speckled egg shells, like quail eggs, or more similarly: *carrion crow eggs*

[@Not_Built_For_This_World]

I like the purple certain iron oxides turn when irradiated. Like on the inside of this pot, after the last firing.

[@AnonymousOtters]

The first firing looked the best from here

[@laidman2007]

The vessel is superb. Glad you stopped with it.

[@hoolingpotter]

Florian i want to thank you for making me so happy with your in depth amazing tutorials. This one taught me so many new things even though i have been pottjng for 18 years with gas fired functional pottery. Personally i prefer matte glazes, or shinos, so the shiney effect from the yellow iron is less appealing to me then your lovely shiney celadons which i do appreciate. Also i have gone through a tenmoku stage of pottjng but seem to be lettjng go of shiney browns even though your description of the vase in real life sounds very special being deep red. May you be blessed with the willingness and ability to continue to produce such excellent quality tutorials. I give your you tube link to everyone that asks to study with me. I tell them that your explanations, photography skills and potting skills are the best! Wishing you that all your dreams be realized. Thank you.

[@tobijojo]

I love the calm way you're talking (especially now, as shorts get more and more popular and seemingly everyone acreams at their audience) :) i also really enjoy you explaining why you're doing certain steps or what they do. For the same reason, i found it increadibly interesting to see how the vase changed witch each glaze and firing :)

[@mbhbYT]

In addition to the excellent string of useful knowledge you're spinning, I'm loving watching your cinematographic skills evolving! The little touches of seasonal changes to mark the time span of this little pot worked both to do that and to give us watchers a bit of a feeling for your studio world. I was particularly amused when, after rain and snowstorms and processes of re-glazing and refiring, you started to work around to open the kiln for, I think, the third time. I mused: ok, time for another glimpse of Ciro! And my gosh, there he was! Well chosen timing! Oh, and I Iike the pot... Though it would be hard for me to decide on my own sensibilities which iteration I'd have bought (maybe any of them!), your talking through your detailed responses in the process of planning and execution added another educational dimension.

[@minipott]

i liked the second iteration where it looked like shiny bronze!! I think the big speckles could be really lovely if they were more sparse over the pot. They were a bit intense especially with all the other smaller specks that are already in the clay body after the first firing

[@daves1412]

I think it is one of those pieces that gradually seeps into one’s consciousness. I like the imperfections most, in a way.

[@memrmeme2758]

You made a lot of effort and the result was very beautiful, but the spotted pot stage is the most beautiful

[@pearkore6821]

I loved the rich brown of the final firing 😍 gorgeous

[@divinenonbinary]

What I would love to see is a series of multiple maybe even identical vessels that you fire together layering more and more iron each time but taking one of the pots out of the process after each firing so by the end of it, however long it takes, you’d end up with a visuals representation of that progression

[@marTinD42Mike]

This was a particularly interesting video with a lot of great information. It’s truly a “in the eye of the beholder” experience as I loved the pot after the first reduction firing. It’s all about your vision, I suppose. Thanks for the detailed info and dedication to following this process from start to finish!

[@e.lycopersicon9720]

I like ALL the iterations of this piece.

[@elab394]

I loved seeing this pot's long journey! Beautiful at all stages, and particularly in that shot of the interior after the third firing.

[@franzenj09]

I love it! I enjoy seeing how you do these so I can implement in my class! tysm

[@bobbybigplays1496]

Fire it again, i want to see how far this materials can go together! I really love the very very close shots of whatever pot you make, it seems like a galaxy of some sort, the closer you look the more different it appears!

[@lollathy]

It looks incredible, well worth the wait!

[@autumncosandaffect9735]

Wow do I get the desire to see how far you can go with something - love the final oxblood color. It seems so far from your usual, it feels a little wild on your very clean vase - cool

[@canete_h]

Your first "iron spangles" video is how I got to know your work! So glad to see the follow up ^^

[@timthompsondp]

I really loved all three versions.

[@neongrey333]

It looks really pretty now, I think-- a little coppery, which is very interesting. A pot like this that's been done and redone too feels somehow extra unique to me-- after all, nothing ever goes wrong the exact same way twice, so there's no reproducing that. It makes for a piece with a bit more of a story to it, even if it isn't quite what you hoped for when you started. Really cool vase!!

[@orionhayes9140]

Absolutely loved the original glaze

[@lornapenn-chester6867]

Fascinating! I didn’t realise you could just keep putting different layers on. I’m so grateful for the learning you give so brilliantly ❤

[@varlotto]

i was excited to see the end result of this pot when i saw you coating it in yellow glaze a few months back in a video

[@mndlessdrwer]

I liked it well enough in its original speckled coloration, though it might have looked more striking with a more blue glaze, to really contrast more heavily with the reddish-brown iron staining.

[@brittahollmann8057]

I loved the first version of it so much 😍 but the 3rd version almost looked like the vase was only made with metal/iron. Beautiful as well!

[@katlehmann5131]

Soooo much precision ❣️ Beautiful🎉

[@qlooo6551]

very unique pot! Would love too see it fired again, just to see how far it can go. it does look oddly good especially inside with the metal in almost a drip like shape.

[@ImolaS3]

I really liked it after the first firing and felt the large and small speckles were quite balanced

[@robertconklin3322]

Fantastic production! It was amazing to be able to follow a year of evolution of that vase in the one video. Personally I loved how it came out, reminded me of a well used ancient oxidized bronze piece.

[@DunoonVanRijn-dx1hr]

I think your speckled vase look great.

[@GreenDayFanMT]

This pot has a lot of character and presence.

[@tawilk]

I liked the color of the first glaze. but I also appreciate the uniqueness and depth of color and texture in the 3rd glaze. I'm very fascinated in how this all works and you did a great job explaining your process in each step. it would be interesting as a test to see if a 4th glaze is possible.

[@TSS161]

feels like we've been waiting for the iron ochre video for so long, but like they say, somethings are worth the wait

[@kalmsnek3329]

I for example loved the "ridiculous" stage before applying the yellow ochre coat. Great work!

[@katlehmann5131]

Take a bow ❣️once again well done ….. i love it too

[@TazPessle]

I quite liked the first firing with the complex mix of colours. Looked very luxurious.

[@enthusiasticforchrist]

that iron coated pot looks cool. i cant wait to get my first potting wheel next month. im looking forward to learning to make some awesome things

[@karyn3060]

I think I loved it at each stage.

[@FDog16]

So beautiful in every stage

[@stephenhenion8304]

Well done Voyage of your deep creativity!!!... I do like the finish of the first result, and that pot would have gone to a good home... I think the attempts at "Cover Up" didn't really work out... Your work is So Good!!!... call me a Potter Too!

[@stephenhenion8304]

One of my pottery instructors said it many times..."Hide your mistakes in plain sight "...

[@tomtac98]

Really enjoyed this. Thank you Florian 😁

[@denisenoble4010]

what a journey one pot has completed, in answer to your question, which part did i like. I liked the colour after the first firing. The spotty bottom, I liked that too. thanks for sharing

[@Mooba2]

I like it. It's rustic and industrial. I'd definitely buy one

[@johnvaluk1401]

I actually liked it after the first firing. But that’s just me. Thanks for the video.

[@paulthomas8262]

The first firing was amazing. I don' think you gave it enough time.

[@marshapascoe79]

I loved it the first time. I loved it after the second firing. I didn't like it after the third. Thl upper part of the pot looked too different than the bottom, but as you said, it could be the light. It is hard to see under light reflections. You are such an excellent potter. I wish you were my teacher so long ago when I learned. I then taught pottery and could have used the tips from you and how you get them across to studehnts.

[@annpes3143]

Your work is always amazing.. my favourite was the first ..

[@jraattianwa5656]

One day i will make enough money to be able to afford your works. I really hope you're still creating by then

[@TimTrueheart]

This was awesome. I liked it at step 2!

[@blakOrkk]

I really liked the first glaze, although the last one also has it's own funk :D

[@marshapascoe79]

I liked it best after the first glaze firing. It's still beautiful, but a bit overdone. Thanks for sharing your wonderful skills and creativity! I used to teach pottery, yet I got a couple of good tips from you! Cheers

[@cristinaarama6349]

Lovely video!! Always enjoy the glazing stage!!

[@DunoonVanRijn-dx1hr]

I like the colour you achieve. ❤

[@ericsmith9085]

Love the end result

[@mohebbi71]

I liked all the stages if Im honest:) they all looked so cool!

[@MASI_forging]

This looks so cool. Project is coming together nicely 😄😄

[@Meg_Davis]

Thank you for sharing with us!

[@laidman2007]

Lovely work. Well done!

[@andrewturnbull5897]

Brilliant and so creative! The design aesthetic is un questionable. The colouration is too subjective to criticize and who cares what some random individual thinks. Love your work!