Ceramic meets science in this glowing whale shark. ✨ At first glance, it looks like any of my sculptures—detailed, textured, and inspired by the ocean. But under the right conditions, it reveals a hidden surprise. The glowing spots on its back are made with a 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞, a special ceramic coating that absorbs light and emits a soft glow in the dark. Unlike surface paints that can wear off, this glaze fuses into the ceramic, making the effect durable and long-lasting. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒍𝒐𝒘 Fluorescent glazes contain phosphorescent pigments that absorb light and slowly release it over time. After exposure to a light source—whether sunlight or a regular lamp—the glaze 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫 before gradually dimming. It can be recharged endlessly, making it a lasting feature rather than a temporary trick. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆-𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 Creating this effect requires careful firing: 🔥 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 at 1000°C to strengthen the clay. 🔥 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 at 1050–1200°C, depending on the glaze type. 🔥 𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 at 1000°C—higher temperatures would burn out the glow. While the glowing feature adds an element of surprise, it is 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞. Like all my pieces, this whale shark is meant to be appreciated in natural light, where its form, colors, and intricate textures take center stage. The fluorescence is simply an unexpected detail—a small hidden magic that you can share with friends. It won’t light up a room, but for a brief moment, it can create the illusion of a deep-sea creature drifting through the dark. #ceramicanimals #whaleshark #glowinthedark #oceaninspired #glaze