ret on sun 23 feb 97
Last time I wrote about this, I described the use and abuse of chemicals
by untrained or ignorant potters or potters' assistants I had witnessed.
Well, I should have mentioned that abuse of and disrespect for the
materials was not limited to that group which can almost be excused
because of lack of education in that field.
Years ago, I spent a lot of time at a very prestigious school or art where
one would
expect knowledge of chemical and other clay related hazards. It was quite
fashionable to do "dry glazing" for a while. That consisted of throwing
handsfull of the dry ingredients, mostly oxides, into the hot raku kilns
right onto the pots. No masks were worn. At the time, I am ashamed to
admit, I was mostly concerned with the
cost of copper oxide being blown into the wind.
There was an occasion when, as a hoax, a huge clay installation inside the
studio, was painted with slips intended for pots. This thing was not to be
fired, it was just a crazy kind of sculpture. Well, it was covered with
black slip, which consisted mostly of manganese dioxide and copper. Rubbed
on with bare hands. It all had to be cleaned up afterwards when the
sculpture was torn down. More exposure.
I don't think,with today's knowledge, that would ever happen again.
Some things do change for the better.
Monona' s address for those who asked: 75054.2542@compuserve.com
ELKE BLODGETT email:
eiblodge@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca
12 Grantham Place
St. Albert, AB T8N 0W8
403 (458-3445); 403 (727-2395)
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