FAQ

Christine Heisler Chris Heisler pottery
FAQ

Q: Do you use press molds for your fish handles or stencils for your drawings?
A: No. Everything I make is a one of a kind piece. Each hand-built element is sculpted individually,
and the drawings in the plates and bowls are all done free-hand.

Q: Are your pieces food-safe?

A: Yes. The glazes contain no lead, and all work that has been high-fired is oven-safe, microwave-
safe and dishwasher-safe. Although some are porcelain and others stoneware, they are equally
safe and durable. However it is best to not expose any stoneware or porcelain to severe thermal shock such as putting a piece straight from the refrigerator into a preheated oven. It would be best to heat the piece up with the oven to prevent possible cracking after years of use.

Q: Where do you make your work?

A: I have a home studio, and I also belong to the Indianapolis Art Center where the work is fired in a gas reduction kiln.

Q: Can you make custom designs?

A: Certainly! Let me know what interests you. If you see something on this site that has been sold,
and you'd like something similar, I can also duplicate most things. Just let me know.

Q: How long does it take to make a piece of pottery?

A: From start to finish can take about 4 to 6 weeks. There is the initial design concept, the actual
throwing or hand-building of the pot, adding handles and incised or relief designs, drying until it's ready to be trimmed, trimming, further drying until the piece is bone dry. This drying time needs to happen slowly so the pot does not crack. At this point the piece is bisque fired in an electric kiln to a state where it can be glazed. Glazing time depends on the complexity of the design- from a couple of minutes to a couple of days. And finally the piece goes through a high firing in a gas reduction kiln that takes a few days to complete.

Q: Is your work available for purchase in a gallery anywhere or do you have a shop?

A: I am delighted to be represented by the Circa Arts Gallery, the Indiana State Museum Gift Shop and the Sullivan Munce Cultural Center, and often I have work for sale at the Indianapolis Art Center. Specialty Items are for sale at the Bella Dog Bakery. I also participate in juried art shows throughout the year, so please check my schedule. Also, I can ship pieces to interested buyers, and I accept credit cards or PayPal for payment for anything shipped.

Q: Why fish?

A: They're pretty, and I like them!

Christine C. Heisler

Christine@CeramicArtist.net

Ceramic Art

unique hand thrown pottery