Part 2: Mono printing, larger test tiles

Side one of this two-sided tile was made from porcelain paperclay with three coats of Parian slip applied to the surface. The X motifs were created using stencils, over which a cobalt carbonate slip was applied. Indented dots were made by firmly pressing a wooden block coated in black slip into the clay. A sponge bird and sponge triangle motifs were added using yellow slip, while bubble wrap painted with black slip was pressed onto the upper section of the tile over carved marks. Additional cobalt carbonate was applied before the tile was finished with a transparent glaze and stoneware fired to 1280°C.

There are several elements of this tile that I am extremely pleased with. The interplay between the crisp white Xs, the black indented dots, and the softer blue background is particularly successful. The strong graphic quality of the black and white motifs contrasts beautifully with the more delicate cobalt wash, creating a composition that feels both structured and dynamic.

Unfortunately, a section of the tile chipped away after it became attached to another piece during firing. While this is disappointing, it has not diminished the impact of some of the most successful decorative elements. The yellow bird and triangle motifs are delicate yet confidently present within the composition, and I particularly enjoy the combination of black, white, blue, and yellow. Together, these colours create a playful yet balanced palette that feels full of potential.

As with some of the previous test pieces, the cobalt carbonate wash has proved much stronger than anticipated. The intensity of the blue, particularly in the upper section of the tile, overwhelms some of the more subtle details and disrupts the harmony between the other colours. The bubble wrap impressions, which produced an interesting pattern of black spots, are largely obscured by the cobalt and would have had a much greater visual impact had the blue been applied more sparingly. Despite this, the tile contains a number of highly successful elements that I would be keen to revisit and refine in future work.

The reverse side of the tile was also finished with three coats of Parian slip. Monoprinted Xs in black slip were applied across the surface, while the circular O motifs were printed in yellow slip using an old Nerf bullet. A wooden X block print and tyre , both coated in copper carbonate slip, were applied diagonally from the upper right towards the lower centre of the tile. Cobalt slip on the tyre was added in a diagonal movement from left to right, while an iron oxide wash was brushed over the carved marks on the left-hand side. Yellow stain was applied liberally to the cluster of holes on the right before a transparent glaze was applied. The tile was then fired in an electric kiln to 1280°C.

I am delighted with the combination of colours that emerged from this firing. The soft green tones produced by the copper carbonate slip create a subtle and harmonious background, providing an ideal foundation for the more assertive cobalt blue, which steps forward within the composition without overwhelming the other elements. The contrast between the black Xs and the yellow O motifs is particularly successful, creating a playful visual dialogue that draws the eye across the surface.

One of the most surprising and rewarding outcomes is the yellow stain within the cluster of holes. This effect has worked far better than I anticipated, with the colour remaining vibrant and creating a strong sense of depth and drama. These punctuations of yellow act as focal points within the composition and bring an additional layer of energy to the tile.

Overall, this is one of the most successful test pieces in the series. The balance between colour, pattern, and surface texture feels carefully resolved, and the different decorative elements work together cohesively while retaining their individual character. The tile offers a number of ideas that I would like to explore further, and I would be very interested in reinterpreting and developing this combination of colours, marks, and printed motifs in a future piece.