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Martha Phillips’ mother began painting china when she was in her sixties. Upon her death, her daughter was overwhelmed with the amount of unpainted china still on hand. To move it from the house, Martha began painting and selling it. She became enthralled with the process and decided to take lessons and go to seminars to enhance her skills. Martha now gives china painting lessons in her own studio where she also creates a detailed finished product that is meant to be treasured as a keepsake. Martha utilizes her patient nature to take a plain piece of white china to the highest level of adornment. The time consuming process of china painting begins by tracing or freehand drawing a pattern onto finished white china. Using china paint (a powder that mixes with an oil medium), Martha paints layers of color which must be fired to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit between each application of paint. Each level of painting and firing enhances the depth of color and texture thus producing a more realistic design. A finished piece could take up to ten firings, depending on the detail desired. Martha’s china is also available in her studio, where she accepts custom orders.
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