Arabian luster is a difficult technique to master with a lot of failures and time wasted . It is an ancient technique developed in the middle east in 800ad.
The lusters are made from copper and silver salts, mixed into a paste and painted onto the finished pot. Then fired at low temperature in heavy reduction.
Most people would know the luster techniques from mosques in the Middle East and their beautiful tiles and mosaic work decorated in smoke lusters.
I was originally inspired by Bob Connery from Stokers Siding Pottery. Bob started playing with lusters in the early 90's. He became one of the worlds masters in this particular technique.
Bob eventually went to Japan where one of his pieces was selected by one of the tea ceremony masters into the school of tea.
Ellen Tyrell studied with Bob for the last year of his life, where she became a master of luster as well. With great deal of gratitude and appreciation of Ellen 's input on my journey through lusters.
These works are just the beginning of my journey with lusters.
