FAQ
Who makes Hot Rock Pottery?
I (Daniel Christie) make all pieces by myself from start to finish. No other individuals are involved in any of the making of the pottery.
How long have you done ceramics and where did you go to school?
I have been involved in the arts since I was a child, working in clay as early as middle school. High school during the late 90’s in central New York was filled with advanced art classes and inspiring art teachers. I went on to graduate from Plattsburgh State University in New York with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in 2004 with a concentration in ceramics. I received a scholarship to attend the Penland School of Craft in North Carolina in 2005.
Where is Hot Rock Pottery made?
Hot Rock Pottery is made in King George, Virginia.
In 2009, my wife and I built a home for our future family, a pottery studio, and a good-sized barn to protect the massive, custom homemade “sprung arch downdraft kiln” that I fire multiple times a year.
What kind of clay do you use to make your pottery?
My work is a Cone10-11 high-fired stoneware.
Tell me about the production of your pottery. How long does it take you to make a piece of pottery?
I make primarily wheel-thrown, high-fired, stoneware pottery. I do large-batch production pottery meaning that I make a lot of pottery that goes through multiple steps to complete. Most of my work is a high-fired stoneware that is “thrown” on a pottery wheel and altered to some degree. The surface designs, textures, and alterations eliminate any senses of the factory-made. The surface treatment is soft in order to allow the visually molten glazes to flow easily around the tactile components. Then, the pots dry and are fired in an electric kiln. Next, the pots are waxed and glazed. Weighing out very specific amounts of dry materials I create multiple unique homemade glazes. By dipping, pouring, spraying, and splattering these glazes on my functional wares a bright, appealing surface is hopefully achieved. I tend to make bright, highly saturated colored glazes and often create deep throwing lines and slip-trailed textures to encourage the potential customer to actually touch the surface of my work. The last part of the process is where the pots are fire it in a 110 cubic foot kiln for 18+ hours to a temperature close to 2350 degrees in a reduction-type atmosphere. Finally, after several days of cooling, the kiln is opened to reveal all the work. Ultimately, I want to open my downdraft kiln after months of labor to find shiny, consistent, sellable items that contribute to the well-being of my family. The process can take at least 2 months from beginning to end.
How many kilns do you have?
I have 5 kilns – 2 raku kilns, 2 large electric kilns and a handmade 110-cubic foot monster of a brick, downdraft gas kiln fueled by propane.
Are your glazes commercial? Where do you get your them from?
My glazes are not commercial. They are handmade from raw materials. I have developed multiple glazes that are applied in very specific layers to create a visually fluid surface. Taking pots to high temperatures in a reduction-type atmosphere liquifies and blends the layers of glazes. Decades of excitement, anguish and genuine trial and error has led to my results.
Are the glazes on your pottery food safe?
Yes, all glazes are food safe.
Can I put my pottery in the microwave, oven or dishwasher?
All pottery is microwave, oven and dishwasher safe. To reduce the risk of thermal shock, we recommend putting the piece of pottery in the oven and heating it up as the oven warms.
Can I put my pottery on the hot stovetop?
No, you cannot put your pottery on a hot stovetop.
How soon can I expect my order?
Most orders are processed and packaged for delivery 1-2 days after the order has been received and shipped fairly quickly. Please allow 7-14 days for delivery.
What happens if my pottery breaks in the mail?
I have a nearly flawless record with packaging pottery and shipping it all over the USA and Canada. If your pottery does break during shipping, please send me a message with photos and it can be replaced.
Where does Hot Rock Pottery ship to?
Hot Rock Pottery ships to USA and Canada.
Do you only sell your pottery online?
In years past I participated in a staggering amount of art shows and festivals annually all over the East Coast taking home dozens of cash awards and praise. I travel much less now and have successfully converted most of my sales online due to the cultural shift. I use different social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to advertise my pottery.
Do you do custom orders?
No, I do not do custom orders unless the order is over $1000. Please contact me to discuss.
Do you have an open studio? Can I visit Hot Rock Pottery?
No, my home studio is not open to the public.
What makes Hot Rock Pottery unique?
Hot Rock Pottery is the essence of a small business with one artist producing all the work. Comfort of function for the user is my first priority. Each piece of pottery is unique and durable. A large portion of my buyers are repeat customers.
