O R A N G E   C R E A M
​O V A L
​​Traditional Glazed

DOUG FRENCH
Virginia, USA
​2025

2.5 x 9.5 x inches
Stoneware Clay
Wheel Thrown and Slab Built
Gas Fired, Cone 10

"I made this oval pot in 2025 with a commercially available cone 10 stoneware clay. I threw the walls on a wheel, formed the oval shape and attached it to a slab for the base. I made a tool to create the double bead band at the bottom of the pot. A also curved the outside of the feet to mimic the beads above. The glaze used was created by the ceramic artist that allows me to use her gas kiln. This glaze is special in the way it dramatically changes color depending on the thickness. Although this is a simple spot design if feel the attention to detail in the beading at the base and the dynamic glaze makes this one a stand out and adds to its versatility when pairing it with a tree."

​- 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.

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Follow Doug French on these platforms:

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

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