River Birch over Albany Slip Brown on the Speckled Brownstone Clay by Erynne Faith Gillespie

River Birch over Albany Slip Brown on Speckled Brownstone Clay

This mug by Erynne Faith Gillespie showcases the warmth and depth of AMACO River Birch over Albany Slip Brown on Highwater’s Speckled Brownstone clay. Fired to Cone 6, the combination begins with Albany Slip Brown x3 as a rich base glaze, while River Birch x2 is applied around the upper portion of the vessel. Together, the two glazes create a surface that shifts from deep earthy browns to lighter cream and honey tones near the rim.

How River Birch over Albany Slip Brown Develops at Cone 6

The interaction between River Birch over Albany Slip Brown becomes especially interesting on a speckled clay body. Albany Slip Brown provides a dark, iron-rich foundation, while River Birch introduces lighter tones that break and flow across the surface during firing. The transition between the glazes is gradual rather than abrupt, creating soft layers of color that resemble weathered stone, tree bark, and mineral deposits shaped over time. The natural speckles of the Brownstone clay remain visible beneath the glaze, adding texture and visual depth.

A Natural Earth-Tone Glaze Combination

River Birch over Albany Slip Brown is a glaze combination well suited to functional pottery, particularly mugs and tableware. On this piece, the rounded form highlights the movement of the glazes as they respond to gravity and contour. The work demonstrates how a simple two-glaze layering approach can produce a complex surface without relying on excessive decoration. In the hands of Erynne Faith Gillespie, the combination celebrates the relationship between clay, fire, and glaze, resulting in a mug that feels both grounded and timeless.

• Clay body: Highwater’s Speckled Brownstone clay
• Albany Slip Brown X3
• River Birch X2 around top rim

Credit: Erynne Faith Gillespie