Satisfying pottery process using ginkgo leaves pressed into clay #ceramics #natureart #craftideas

Ginkgo is one of the oldest living tree species on Earth, described sometimes as a “living fossil”; its beautiful fan-shaped leaves have been on this planet for over 220 million years. Once you see ginkgo, you never forget its unique leaf and its beautiful change in the fall as the leaves turn from green to a golden yellow. When I think of these ancient plants that bridge time, somehow I instantly feel more grounded in the world. The simple act of looking at a leaf that has been around for millions of years, gives me new perspective and sense of calmness. This ceramic jewelry dish (for trinkets or display) shows handpainted impressions of real ginkgo leaves showing the delicate veined texture of each leaf. The video shows moments in the art process of how I make these ceramic pieces. First, I press the leaves into soft stoneware. I love the crisp impressions that the leaves make in the clay. The dishes are painted with green ceramic stain, yellow underglaze, then glazed and then fired in a pottery kiln. I don’t try to apply the color evenly as you can see- I just love the marks from where the color pools. It makes me feel like the movement of the brush is captured as well in the finished piece. The high temperatures of the kiln melt the glaze into a thin coating of glass. Touches of 22kt gold accents add a bit of sparkle to this handmade ceramic piece #ginkgo #botanicalart #ceramics