Tara & Michael on mon 2 dec 96
This thread on crazing is sure warming up!
I suppose there are as many points of view on this as there are potters. I
have been making functional pottery for a long time and I still struggle
with this one. It used to drive me crazy (Ha!) to see one of my pots
(after it had been used in the oven) with a greasy crackle pattern. Very
ugly! So I tested and changed the glaze for a better fit. Then I waited
and worried because I knew that I would have to order more clay
someday......Usually I had to start all over , ever changing.
You see,as Tony Hansen just pointed out, those crazy raw materials are not
not not uniform. And in my experience very few commercial clay makers
alter their formulas regularly to keep a consistency in thermal expansion
coefficients ,etc.
Maybe it's a money thing!
Years ago I started using a mid range clay from Plainsman,M340, which has
made my clay life a lot easier. I haven't changed my basic glaze for a
long while.
I also do other types of pots that it makes no difference to me if the
glaze crazes. In fact I really appreciate the beauty of pots that have
crazing as a "soulfull" element. I guess potters that use crazing as part
of their statement have to struggle with the technical problem of keeping
the right kind of crazing.
To be sure it would be best to mix your own clay . This lends much more
control over all aspects of the craft. You have a much better chance of
getting what you envision functionally, tactually and visually.
By the way, I'll eat off a crazed plate and drink out of a crazed mug any
day of the week. Just invite me over and you'll see!
Best wishes to you all. Whether you are upset about crazing or not!
Michael Redwine, Oregon
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