Vince Pitelka on sun 21 feb 99
>Looking for advice:
>I would like to eliminate the small ring of unglazed surface remaining on cone
>6/7 elecric kiln fired items. Stilts? Any other method suggested?
>Additionally, I would like some detailed guidance on the construction and use
>of saggers in an electric kiln, firing at cone 6/7 for the purpose of
>smoking, flashing, reducing in an otherwise oxidation atmosphere. I have seen
>some references to this subject previously but would like to get into it in
>more depth.
Sorry to be contrary, but this disturbs me. When I pick up wares which have
been fired on stilts, I am always sorry that I have no sense of the clay
beneath the glaze. I see no advantage in completely concealing the clay.
Having a small ring of clay exposed on the foot reveals the clay, and it is
beautiful. It also offers a little variety of texture in handling the
piece. The glazed areas seem smoother in contrast with the unglazed areas.
If you are concerned that the unglazed areas are too rough, a very quick
pass across an abrasive flap wheel on an arbor mounted on any old 1/4 H.P.
motor will give a delicious satin finish. That surface will still provide
contrast with glazed areas.
Much of our appreciation of art/craft has to do with contrast, in color,
texture, value (light/dark). We seek contrast in our lives, and there is so
much of it that we overlook. I do not mean to read too much into the
request above. I am just using it to mount my soapbox, to advocate the
celebration of contrast. Our work is more interesting if we offer varieties
of contrast. Some people appreciate touch more than color, some the other
way around. Too much contrast in a piece becomes chaotic, but eliminating
contrast may be conuterproductive.
Just my opinion -
- Vince
Vince Pitelka - vpitelka@DeKalb.net
Home 615/597-5376, work 615/597-6801, fax 615/597-6803
Appalachian Center for Crafts
Tennessee Technological University
1560 Craft Center Drive, Smithville TN 37166
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