C R E A M Y   O X I D E
​O V A L
​​Traditional Glazed

DOUG FRENCH
Virginia, USA
​2025

3.5 x 10.75 x inches
Commercial Clay
Wheel Thrown and Slab Built, Glazed
Gas Fired, Cone 10

"I threw the walls of the pot on a wheel, formed the oval, then attached it to a slab for the base and create the lip on the pot. I used a tool I created to make the double band at the base and use another tool I created to make the rivets. I carved the foot and made a plaster mold so I could replicate it. This is glaze that was created by the ceramic artist that allows me to use her gas kiln. The specks in the clay create pleasing vertical striations in the glaze and there is a subtle blue hue where the glaze is thick. I applied a red and black iron oxide wash to the bare clay at the bottom to bring out the detail and texture. In this design I was trying create a pleasing contrast between the satin cream colored glaze and the texture and warmth of the oxide washed bare clay. The feet were designed so that I could carry the stippling in the band to the negative areas of the feet."

​- Doug French

A B O U T   D O U G   F R E N C H

I am a bonsai ceramics hobbyist who values the joy of creating. I seldom begin with a fixed vision; instead, I let the creative process guide me, embracing wherever it leads. I take pride in producing clean, refined pottery, thoughtfully pairing glazes with each pot’s shape, size, and style.  My true motivation is to witness the transformation of a lump of clay into a successfully executed bonsai pot.

In February of 2022 one of our bonsai club members did a demonstration on how to slab build a rectangular bonsai pot. I was inspired and decided to give it a try. I have been hopelessly hooked to transforming a clump of clay to a beautiful bonsai vessel since then.

I am self taught mainly through watching YouTube videos and subsequent trial and error. I take pride in the build quality of my pots as I strive to make very clean pots in an effort to emulate my virtual mentor and inspiration, Andrew Pearson of Stone Monkey Ceramics (may he rest in peace). I also enjoy experimenting with layering commercially available glazes to match the feel of the pot that I am creating.

​​
​

Follow Doug French on these platforms:

Instagram: ​www.instagram.com/dfrench200/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/doug.french.94

T H A N K   Y O U   T O   O U R   S P O N S O R S

D I S C O V E R   P O T T E R S   I S   P R O U D   T O   S P O N S O R   T H E   2 0 2 5   N O R T H   A M E R I C A N   B O N S A I   P O T T E R Y   C O M P E T I T I O N

For Learning Seminars tickets, lodging, transportation, merchandise, and all other event information, please visit the American Bonsai Society website.

ABS Website