All the organic material burns out of clay when it is fired, and at that point it can no longer decompose. There have been carbon dated ceramics from 10000 years ago.
After the first bisque firing, when the piece is ready to paint, if there are flaws to the form that look like they might get worse in the second firing I toss it rather than invest even more time painting and then gas firing it. I just cut my losses.
So now, rather than toss the piece, if it seems like I can make it into something else, I stamp it, paint it, and fire it rather than make more garbage for the landfill. WHOOP WHOOP. For this as well as pretty much cutting down 85% of my bubble wrap usage earlier this year, I am proud.
You can find all the work for sale here in 'NO WASTE'.
The name inspired by a favorite pair of used painter pants up-cycled by IXV Coffee in Brooklyn. Check out her amazing efforts, site and energy.
LOVE YOUR MOTHER EARTH.
PEACE AND WELL-BEING TO YOU.
