Crystalline Ceramics
Crystalline glazed porcelain forms by Richard Bideau
Careful control of chemistry and firing conditions give rise to glazes that produce crystals during the firing cycle. Crystals are stunning with fantastic shapes that shimmer like holograms as light catches them. The possibilities are almost endless…
I have been exploring the crystalline process since 1997, becoming a full-time potter in 2009. My former career in chemical engineering, coupled with a lifelong association with pottery have given me the skills needed to combine art and science.
My work is sold through art galleries and exhibitions. I also have a selection of pieces available to buy directy directly.
DescriptionAventurine and copper red glazes. The interaction of these very different glazes has created a dramatic tension as the iron crystalline glaze flows into the copper red. Iron silicate crystals dominate on the neck giving way to a glassy amber shoulder....
DescriptionPale green and tan crystalline combined with aventurine. A new variation in my aventurine glaze has produced a different type of interaction between the two glazes on this piece. The iron crystalline neck changes to an amber glassy region before the zinc...
DescriptionPale green and tan crystalline combined with aventurine. A slightly more fluid version of the aventurine glaze has created a complex interaction with the crystalline glaze. The glassy regions between the two glazes are a deep amber red recalling the drama...
Description Pale green and tan crystalline combined with aventurine. This is a less fluid version of my aventurine that developes an exceptionally vivid sparkle. The interface with the cryastalline is quite sharp, the powerful iron tones of the upper glaze...
The sensitivity of crystalline glazes to firing conditions is extreme. Recent modifications and repairs to my kiln changed my glazes dramatically and it has taken a lot of work to get my glazes working again. Several new glazes have come out of my tests and I'm...
Potfest 2023, held at Hutton-in-the-Forest, near Penrith, was a sucess. Many thanks to Matt Cox for organising and to my customers. The weather on the final day was particulary suitable for photography. Here are some images of my work and from around the show.Dramatic...
Some new crystalline glazes.
I'm pleased to announce that I will be exhibiting once again at Potfest in the Park. This year's event at Hutton-in-the-Forest, Cumbria will take place on July 28th, 29th and 30th.
I'm adding to my gallery of extreme macro images of the crystals. CF2 has produced some particularly interesting shots.
DescriptionAventurine and copper red glazes. The interaction of these very different glazes has created a dramatic tension as the iron crystalline glaze flows into the copper red. Iron silicate crystals dominate on the neck giving way to a glassy amber shoulder....
DescriptionPale green and tan crystalline combined with aventurine. A new variation in my aventurine glaze has produced a different type of interaction between the two glazes on this piece. The iron crystalline neck changes to an amber glassy region before the zinc...
DescriptionPale green and tan crystalline combined with aventurine. A slightly more fluid version of the aventurine glaze has created a complex interaction with the crystalline glaze. The glassy regions between the two glazes are a deep amber red recalling the drama...
DescriptionMy dark blue crystalline has given an unusual result on this form made from my custom porcelain TP057. The ground is covered by a myriad of tiny golden brown crystals becoming denser towards the foot. The primaries are sparse and nearly absent on one side....
Time we may comprehend, 'tis but five days elder than ourselves.Thomas Browne, Religio Medici, 1643. If the Eiffel tower were now representing the world's age, the skin of paint on the pinnacle-knob at its summit would represent man's share of that age…Mark Twain,...
Crystalline glazed surfaces have complex structures that change in appearance under different lighting conditions. For this photography session, the weather offered the possibility of some dramatic conditions: it was warm and humid, the wind, so often a powerful force...
Potfest I have exhibited at the Penrith Potfest each year since 1997, first in the pens and from 2007 in the park. It is the focus of my potting year and the source of a great deal of inspiration for my work. Waiting for the show to open on the first morning there is...
Another of my walks accompanied by one of my crystalline glazed pieces, this one took place on an astoundingly hot day in July 2022. Short of time, with an appointment to keep, I chose a direct 11 mile route to the town of Hebden Bridge: up to the summit of Black...