Twenty years of working as a brand developer in various companies, including foreign brands, in 2016, Fransisca Puspitasari or who is familiarly called Kika finally decided to build her own brand.
Kika believes that every brand has DNA that is impossible to duplicate. With the understanding and learning that Kika has acquired little by little since 1996, he is now able to move forward steadily.
Kaloka Pottery , a local brand he created, provides table wear which is not only admired by local consumers, but has reached several countries in the world, one of which is countries in the Middle East. In blowing the soul that has magically bewitched admirers of ceramic art from all over the world, find out the basic starter kit used by Kika and other ceramic craftsmen in this article specially presented by KARENA.
1. Grinder
In 2017, when he received a mass order from a country in the Middle East, with minimal equipment, Kika decided to synergize with ceramic craftsmen in the area. Kika knows this is a golden opportunity that may not come twice. Therefore, he really took advantage of it.
Finally, in collaboration with a local studio in the area where he lives, Yogyakarta, Kika succeeded in answering the challenge given to him perfectly. One of the tools Kika uses in the studio is a grinder. The grinder is usually made of wood and is used as a tool for making slabs.
2. Turntable
Circular or cylindrical shapes are the most common shapes in ceramic crafts. Especially for Kika, a table wear creator, Kika needs this shape when making glasses, plates, bowls or pots.
To produce this shape, Kika and other ceramic craftsmen use a turntable. Even though it seems easy, of course to produce perfect shapes, someone needs to master special skills when using a turntable. Kika has the principle that whatever he does, he always wants to get the best results. Hence, it sometimes took him longer to master each technique.
3. Cutting Rope
After the wet ceramic is attached to the turntable, we need a cutting rope to shape it according to the modification. If we look at the creations produced by Kaloka, Kika plays with his imagination by producing unusual forms of table wear.
Even though it is not precise, the set of table wear made by Kika does not make it lose its function. This irregularity actually gives a unique and creative impression, so that in the end it becomes its own power. Not to mention the addition of a variety of color games, Kika's loyal fans are now longing for new breakthroughs with diversity.
4. Mold
To produce mass quantities, Kika needs molds. Apart from getting the exact same shape, the size of the ceramics produced using printing techniques will also not vary from one to another.
5. Carving Knife
It could be said that the carving knife is one of the most important tools in the entire Kika work process. Because by using this carving knife, Kika carves decorations on ceramics.
Make ornaments, writing, and other modifications according to needs. If we look at the many details presented by Kika in various Kaloka models, carving knives cannot be separated from this creative process.
6. Details
Towards the final stage, Kika needs grains to tidy up, scrape and shape the ceramic craft into a work according to the concept that has been created. In the finishing process, grains can perfect the shape of a ceramic craft.
7. Burning Furnace
Kika uses a combustion furnace to carry out two processes. There are 2 types of firing in ceramics, namely bisque firing and glaze firing. Bisque firing is the stage that turns clay into ceramic. This combustion ranges from 700 – 1000°C.
Through bisque firing, the ceramic has changed its texture to become dense, strong and watertight. However, it doesn't stop there, the ceramic requires a further firing process, namely firing the glaze. Glaze firing applies a higher temperature, around 1050°C, depending on the type of ceramic and type of glaze. The goal is to melt the glaze material so that it adheres tightly to the ceramic.
The entire process that Kika goes through in making ceramic crafts in Kaloka may sound complex. However, as Kika said, our love for something will continue to provide undying motivation. Her love for ceramics has proven to have taken Kika far beyond her dreams. Now, think about it, what love can you make an effort to travel beyond your dreams? Check out other inspiring articles only on KARENA.ID !