Frozen Pond By Anna Pantoja

Fantastic Orange Frozen Pond mug by Anna Pantoja

This handbuilt mug by Anna Pantoja demonstrates a vivid interpretation of the Frozen Pond glazing technique. The piece combines MAYCO Copper Float on the exterior with accents of Spectrum Running Hot Chowder and Coyote Clay Sedona Sunset. During firing, the layered glazes separate and flow vertically, creating broad amber, gold, bronze, and blue-grey transitions that resemble melted glass moving across the surface.

The interior is coated with Sedona Sunset, a glaze known for its warm orange color and glossy finish at Cone 6. On this mug, the same glaze is also used as an accent on the exterior and in decorative dots, adding bright areas of color that contrast with the cooler tones created by Copper Float. The interaction between the glazes produces pools, breaks, and subtle variations that make each side of the piece slightly different.

One of the most interesting aspects of this Frozen Pond example is the balance between movement and structure. The glaze flows freely without obscuring the faceted form of the mug, allowing both the clay work and the surface treatment to remain visible. The result highlights how carefully placed layers and controlled firing can transform a simple combination of glazes into a complex ceramic surface rich in depth, color variation, and texture.

Glazes Used

• MAYCO Copper Float x3 outside
• Spectrum Running Hot Chowder dots
• Coyote Clay Sedona Sunset inside and 1x over outside and dots

Credit: Anna Pantoja