Jeremy E. McLeod on fri 8 dec 00
So, what can I say? I'm a good cook and I didn't do too well in High School
chemistry (a lonnnnng time ago). Is there hope for me to get grounded in all
the jargon, variable, practice, and magic in the arena of glaze formulations,
mixing, and firing?
What books, workshops, online resources, etc. will be helpful for one who is
truly starting the exploration of glazes from somewhere deep in uncharted
wilderness without map, compass, or much experience? Currently I'm using
commercially available glazes for ^6 firing and some raku firing. A ^10 gas
reduction kiln is out there in my future, I'm pretty sure. It's time to
start slogging away at understanding glaze chemistry.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Jeremy McLeod
Cindy Strnad on fri 8 dec 00
Hi, Jeremy.
There's lots of information out there on learning about glazes. I started at
http://www.digitalfire.com . I still have many, many, many miles to go. Of
course, this is not the only good glaze website, but I found it a good
beginning.
Cindy Strnad
Earthen Vessels Pottery
RR 1, Box 51
Custer, SD 57730
USA
earthenv@gwtc.net
http://www.earthenvesselssd.com
Jim Cullen on fri 8 dec 00
First choice...take Ron Roy's Glaze Technology class wherever it's being
offered.
Second... Go to WWW.DIGITALFIRE.COM and review/order The Magic of Fite and
the Reference Book. Download INSIGHT 5.2 and work the numbers.
Third...Buy Ian Curries latest book fcurriap@flexi.net.au and learn about
what happens in a glaze.
Fouth...Mix glazes and TEST, TEST, TEST.
" When I die, I want to go peacefully like my grandfather did, in his sleep.
Not yelling and screaming like the passengers in his car."
KEEP CENTERED
Cullen
Naperville, Illinois
mail to: jcullen845@ameritech.net
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeremy E. McLeod"
To:
Sent: Friday, December 08, 2000 9:20 AM
Subject: Where to Begin Learning Proper Glaze Incantations?
> So, what can I say? I'm a good cook and I didn't do too well in High
School
> chemistry (a lonnnnng time ago). Is there hope for me to get grounded in
all
> the jargon, variable, practice, and magic in the arena of glaze
formulations,
> mixing, and firing?
>
> What books, workshops, online resources, etc. will be helpful for one who
is
> truly starting the exploration of glazes from somewhere deep in uncharted
> wilderness without map, compass, or much experience? Currently I'm using
> commercially available glazes for ^6 firing and some raku firing. A ^10
gas
> reduction kiln is out there in my future, I'm pretty sure. It's time to
> start slogging away at understanding glaze chemistry.
>
> Thanks for your suggestions.
>
> Jeremy McLeod
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Hank Murrow on fri 8 dec 00
>So, what can I say? I'm a good cook and I didn't do too well in High School
>chemistry (a lonnnnng time ago). Is there hope for me to get grounded in all
>the jargon, variable, practice, and magic in the arena of glaze formulations,
>mixing, and firing?
*****YES!
>
>What books, workshops, online resources, etc. will be helpful for one who is
>truly starting the exploration of glazes from somewhere deep in uncharted
>wilderness without map, compass, or much experience?
*****Hate to repeat myself, but here it is again:
Copies of the book "Revealing Glazes - Using the Grid
Method" and also "Stoneware Glazes - A Systematic Approach" can be
purchased by
credit card via the author's website:
http://ian.currie.to/
Start with "Revealing Glazes"______can't go wrong.
Cheers! Hank
Bruce Girrell on fri 8 dec 00
Jeremy McLeod wrote:
>So, what can I say? I'm a good cook and I didn't do too well in High
School
>chemistry (a lonnnnng time ago). Is there hope for me to get grounded in
all
>the jargon, variable, practice, and magic in the arena of glaze
formulations,
>mixing, and firing?
>What books, workshops, online resources, etc. will be helpful for one who
is
>truly starting the exploration of glazes from somewhere deep in uncharted
>wilderness without map, compass, or much experience?
I believe the Wiccans have a glaze page at
www.magick.org/incantations/glazes/formulas.html
Oh, sorry. Actually glaze formulation is not that difficult. Basically, you
have things that melt easily and help other things melt, things that don't
melt easily, things that turn into glass, and things that are colored. One
good approach at first is to take a glaze that sort of works and modify it
so that it does what you want. In doing so, you will start learning which
ingredients do what and you will be on your way toward having the confidence
to formulate a glaze from scratch.
The most confusing part of glaze formulation is that many ingredients serve
a similar purpose, but have different names - quartz, silica, and flint, for
example. I can't even begin to list the number of feldspars there are out
there, but they all serve the same basic purpose. Some have more of this or
that element and that affects how they will act in your glaze, but still
they serve the same basic purpose.
One resource that many on this list have found to be very useful is _The
Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques_ by Hamer and Hamer. This is
one of those "just grit your teeth, get out your wallet, and buy it" kind of
books. As the title implies, it is a reference book, though, not a how-to
book. _The Ceramic Spectrum_ by Hopper and _Revealing Glazes - Using the
Grid Method_ by Currie are also good and are specifically directed toward
glaze formulation.
Since you say that you are a better cook than chemist, I suggest that you
take a look at Ian Currie's web site http://ian.currie.to/. Click on the
link Original "Outline of Systematic Recipe Approach". Ian Currie develops
glazes by starting with some basic ingredients and varying them in a
systematic way. By doing so, it is possible to discover a wide range of
glazes that you would not ordinarily stumble onto. The down side of Currie's
method is the time involved in preparation and firing of the test tiles. I
feel that the time invested is well worth the information that you get,
though. If you _don't_ take a systematic approach, you could experiment
forever without finding what you are looking for. Another advantage of
Currie's method - one that I think doesn't receive as much recognition as it
should - is that the glazes that you develop will be ones that work for your
chemicals, for your preparation methods, for your clay body, for your firing
schedule.
For the more mathematically inclined, check out glaze calculation programs,
such as GlazeChem, HyperGlaze, Insight, and Matrix. These programs are
extremely useful for analyzing and modifying an existing glaze, but not as
useful as Currie's method for discovering new glazes, particularly when the
glazes are outside the "limits." Glaze calculation programs will help you
create more stable glazes, allow you to predict whether a different
formulation will increase or decrease crazing, compare recipes, build your
own database of recipes, etc. Probably one of the most powerful and useful
aspects of glaze calculation programs is the ability to see the result of
substituting one material for another. Often you will encounter a recipe
that calls for Zebediah Smith's Pink Feldspar Number 11 or some such item
that is no longer available. If the chemical analysis of the unavailable
ingredient is known, then it is possible to compare other possible
substitutes to find the one with the best properties.
Once you have created your glaze, it should be tested if it might come into
contact with food. Remember that you have no idea how a purchaser of your
pottery might use a piece. The instructions for getting a glaze tested are
at http://lsv.ceramics.org/scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind9903&L=CLAYART&P=R59589.
Finally, ask here. Do your homework and when you get stuck, ask. There are
lots of helpful people here, as you probably already know. Something like
"Hey everybody, send me all your cone 6 green glazes" won't get much of a
response, but something like "I've been trying to get a cone 6 green glaze
to work and I'm having trouble with pinholing. I'm using xyz clay body and a
glaze recipe of [...], firing in an electric kiln. I've tried X and Y, but
it still is giving me problems. Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?"
will usually elicit a number of helpful responses.
Good luck
Bruce "abracadabra" Girrell
Fabienne Micheline Cassman on fri 8 dec 00
At 10:20 AM 12/08/2000 -0500, you wrote:
>What books, workshops, online resources, etc. will be helpful for one who is
>truly starting the exploration of glazes from somewhere deep in uncharted
For me what did it is reading Daniel Rhodes book "Clay and Glazes for the
Potter" (before Robin Hopper edited it; I don't know what the new one is
like) and getting a glaze calculation software and mess around with it. I
compared glazes which were said to have the same properties and finally
attempted to make my own clear glaze. I expanded my readings as I went
along; for a list of them go to http://www.milkywayceramics.com/books.htm
(My Collection)
To date the books I find most useful when I have to plow through a problem
or something new are Rhode's above and Hamer's "The Potter's Dictionary of
Materials and Techniques" Of course, when I get stuck, the people on this
list has been invaluable unsticking me. :)
I hope this helps,
Fabienne
--
Milky Way Ceramics http://www.milkywayceramics.com/
Yes, I have learned from my mistakes...
I can reproduce them exactly.
Mike Gordon on sat 9 dec 00
Hi,
I agree with Diane in Ct. It all depends on your brain. Are you into
/able to read directions? I'm not, I'd rather dive right in and do it.
So as you weigh out chemicals, mic the glaze and fire, then see the
results go back and read, read OR experiment! Its lots of fun and
guaranteed to get you going. Mike Gordon
James L Bowen on sat 9 dec 00
There are plenty of printed and online resources
available.
You should make contact with local potters or
instructors to at least give you the basics of
organizing a
glazing area. How to store materials. How to
weigh materials. A system for making sure all
the
ingredients get in the glaze in the correct
quantities. What to buy and what not to waste
your money
on. I have seen very little on video regarding
glaze application, so you may have to learn that
by
experience unless an experienced person is
willing to help.
Keep it simple.
An example of a fine simple cone ten glaze with
visible changes based on differing application
techniques is this Shino from Hamer and Hamer.
Nepheline Syenite 75
Ball Clay 25
Try it dipped ,poured ,layered ,wiped, thick,
thin. Low viscosity . High viscosity.
Maybe someone knows of a similar cone six glaze
There are many two ingredient raku glazes that
will work similarly.
Diane G. Echlin on sat 9 dec 00
Okay, I'm going to recommend some heresy here. I would suggest
reversing Jim's well-concieved plan of action, and for a (to me) very
good reason. Start with a glaze recipe, just to get you moving forward,
give you a little taste of a finished product. Don Goodrich has a
webpage with an amazing array of ^6 glazes. I suggest Pike's Oatmeal to
start with because it's pretty accomodating in my experience. Anyway,
then while your kiln is firing away your first pieces with your own
glaze, go out and get the Hamer book, get the digital fire books, etc.,
and read. The reason I recommend this approach (which many will see as
ass backwards) is that I got so bogged down trying to read and decipher
the "right" wasy to make glazes that I was paralyzed and produced
nothing. Now having practically memorized the digital fire manifesto
(!) and done extensive reading, I am beginning to understand glaze
chemistry etc. But all of the reading without actually doing at first
made me feel like Hamlet--unable to move forward.
Good luck! It's not as bad as you imagine!
Diane in CT
PS the archives are full of glaze recipes! click on the link at the
bottom of any clayart mail to get there.
Jim Cullen wrote:
>
> First choice...take Ron Roy's Glaze Technology class wherever it's being
> offered.
> Second... Go to WWW.DIGITALFIRE.COM and review/order The Magic of Fite and
> the Reference Book. Download INSIGHT 5.2 and work the numbers.
> Third...Buy Ian Curries latest book fcurriap@flexi.net.au and learn about
> what happens in a glaze.
> Fouth...Mix glazes and TEST, TEST, TEST.
>
> " When I die, I want to go peacefully like my grandfather did, in his sleep.
> Not yelling and screaming like the passengers in his car."
>
> KEEP CENTERED
> Cullen
> Naperville, Illinois
> mail to: jcullen845@ameritech.net
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jeremy E. McLeod"
> To:
> Sent: Friday, December 08, 2000 9:20 AM
> Subject: Where to Begin Learning Proper Glaze Incantations?
>
> > So, what can I say? I'm a good cook and I didn't do too well in High
> School
> > chemistry (a lonnnnng time ago). Is there hope for me to get grounded in
> all
> > the jargon, variable, practice, and magic in the arena of glaze
> formulations,
> > mixing, and firing?
> >
> > What books, workshops, online resources, etc. will be helpful for one who
> is
> > truly starting the exploration of glazes from somewhere deep in uncharted
> > wilderness without map, compass, or much experience? Currently I'm using
> > commercially available glazes for ^6 firing and some raku firing. A ^10
> gas
> > reduction kiln is out there in my future, I'm pretty sure. It's time to
> > start slogging away at understanding glaze chemistry.
> >
> > Thanks for your suggestions.
> >
> > Jeremy McLeod
> >
> >
> ____________________________________________________________________________
> __
> > Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
> >
> > You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> > settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
> >
> > Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
Ababi Sharon on sat 9 dec 00
I have an idea for you:
While you learning the base:Work on one cone/kiln: Ox or reduction, don't
spread yourself.You may try with one or two commercial glazes. Add to them
different amounts of oxides\carbonate, learn interaction.Than, try to build
your own glaze, start with these of 4-5 materials, without 5.321% etc!
Latter, you get addicted, and join as at our "joints"
Ababi Sharon
ababisharon@hotmail.com
http://www.milkywayceramics.com/cgallery/asharon.htm
http://www.israelceramics.org/index.html
* * * * * * * *
www.photoisland.com
ID: sharon@shoval.org.il
Password:clay
----- Original Message -----
From: "Hank Murrow"
To:
Sent: Friday, December 08, 2000 7:59 PM
Subject: Re: Where to Begin Learning Proper Glaze Incantations?
> >So, what can I say? I'm a good cook and I didn't do too well in High
School
> >chemistry (a lonnnnng time ago). Is there hope for me to get grounded in
all
> >the jargon, variable, practice, and magic in the arena of glaze
formulations,
> >mixing, and firing?
>
> *****YES!
> >
> >What books, workshops, online resources, etc. will be helpful for one who
is
> >truly starting the exploration of glazes from somewhere deep in uncharted
> >wilderness without map, compass, or much experience?
>
> *****Hate to repeat myself, but here it is again:
>
> Copies of the book "Revealing Glazes - Using the Grid
> Method" and also "Stoneware Glazes - A Systematic Approach" can be
> purchased by
> credit card via the author's website:
> http://ian.currie.to/
>
> Start with "Revealing Glazes"______can't go wrong.
> Cheers! Hank
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Lawrence Ewing on sun 10 dec 00
Hi Jeremy,
You might like to have a look at GlazeTeach which is an interactive
educational glaze chemistry package for beginners which you can freely use
from the Matrix website.
This educational package has been used successfully by many ceramics
students at Otago Polytechnic in Dunedin, New Zealand as an on-line
introduction to glaze technology and as a revision package for more advanced
students.
GlazeTeach can be used without charge at the Matrix website and comes free
on the Matrix CD for those who decide to purchace Matrix Glaze Calcuation
Software.
The Matrix website can be found at http://www.Matrix2000.co.nz You can get
to GlazeTeach from there or can go directly to
http://www.Matrix2000.co.nz/GlazeTeach
Lawrence Ewing
Senior Lecturer
Ceramics Department
School of Art
Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin
New Zealand
email: lewing@clear.net.nz
phone +64 03 472 8801
MATRIX GLAZE CALCULATION SOFTWARE:
http://www.Matrix2000.co.nz
GLAZETEACH:
http://www.Matrix2000.co.nz/GlazeTeach
MATRIX TUTORIALS:
http://www.Matrix2000.co.nz/MatrixTutorials
MATRIX ADDITIONAL MATERIALS RESOURCE:
http://www.Matrix2000.co.nz/MatrialsWeb/default.htm
-----Original Message-----
From: Ceramic Arts Discussion List [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG]On
Behalf Of Jeremy E. McLeod
Sent: Saturday, December 09, 2000 4:21 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Where to Begin Learning Proper Glaze Incantations?
So, what can I say? I'm a good cook and I didn't do too well in High School
chemistry (a lonnnnng time ago). Is there hope for me to get grounded in
all
the jargon, variable, practice, and magic in the arena of glaze
formulations,
mixing, and firing?
What books, workshops, online resources, etc. will be helpful for one who is
truly starting the exploration of glazes from somewhere deep in uncharted
wilderness without map, compass, or much experience? Currently I'm using
commercially available glazes for ^6 firing and some raku firing. A ^10 gas
reduction kiln is out there in my future, I'm pretty sure. It's time to
start slogging away at understanding glaze chemistry.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Jeremy McLeod
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Carol Sandberg on wed 13 dec 00
Hi Diane,
You referred to Pike's Oatmeal Glaze in Don Goodrich's web page. What is
the address?
Thanks,
Carol in Indiana
----- Original Message -----
From: Diane G. Echlin
To:
Sent: Friday, January 01, 1988 9:39 PM
Subject: Re: Where to Begin Learning Proper Glaze Incantations?
> Okay, I'm going to recommend some heresy here. I would suggest
> reversing Jim's well-concieved plan of action, and for a (to me) very
> good reason. Start with a glaze recipe, just to get you moving forward,
> give you a little taste of a finished product. Don Goodrich has a
> webpage with an amazing array of ^6 glazes. I suggest Pike's Oatmeal to
> start with because it's pretty accomodating in my experience. Anyway,
> then while your kiln is firing away your first pieces with your own
> glaze, go out and get the Hamer book, get the digital fire books, etc.,
> and read. The reason I recommend this approach (which many will see as
> ass backwards) is that I got so bogged down trying to read and decipher
> the "right" wasy to make glazes that I was paralyzed and produced
> nothing. Now having practically memorized the digital fire manifesto
> (!) and done extensive reading, I am beginning to understand glaze
> chemistry etc. But all of the reading without actually doing at first
> made me feel like Hamlet--unable to move forward.
> Good luck! It's not as bad as you imagine!
> Diane in CT
> PS the archives are full of glaze recipes! click on the link at the
> bottom of any clayart mail to get there.
>
> Jim Cullen wrote:
> >
> > First choice...take Ron Roy's Glaze Technology class wherever it's being
> > offered.
> > Second... Go to WWW.DIGITALFIRE.COM and review/order The Magic of Fite
and
> > the Reference Book. Download INSIGHT 5.2 and work the numbers.
> > Third...Buy Ian Curries latest book fcurriap@flexi.net.au and learn
about
> > what happens in a glaze.
> > Fouth...Mix glazes and TEST, TEST, TEST.
> >
> > " When I die, I want to go peacefully like my grandfather did, in his
sleep.
> > Not yelling and screaming like the passengers in his car."
> >
> > KEEP CENTERED
> > Cullen
> > Naperville, Illinois
> > mail to: jcullen845@ameritech.net
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Jeremy E. McLeod"
> > To:
> > Sent: Friday, December 08, 2000 9:20 AM
> > Subject: Where to Begin Learning Proper Glaze Incantations?
> >
> > > So, what can I say? I'm a good cook and I didn't do too well in High
> > School
> > > chemistry (a lonnnnng time ago). Is there hope for me to get grounded
in
> > all
> > > the jargon, variable, practice, and magic in the arena of glaze
> > formulations,
> > > mixing, and firing?
> > >
> > > What books, workshops, online resources, etc. will be helpful for one
who
> > is
> > > truly starting the exploration of glazes from somewhere deep in
uncharted
> > > wilderness without map, compass, or much experience? Currently I'm
using
> > > commercially available glazes for ^6 firing and some raku firing. A
^10
> > gas
> > > reduction kiln is out there in my future, I'm pretty sure. It's time
to
> > > start slogging away at understanding glaze chemistry.
> > >
> > > Thanks for your suggestions.
> > >
> > > Jeremy McLeod
> > >
> > >
> >
____________________________________________________________________________
> > __
> > > Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
> > >
> > > You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> > > settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
> > >
> > > Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> > melpots@pclink.com.
> >
> >
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> > Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
> >
> > You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> > settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
> >
> > Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Ron Roy on wed 13 dec 00
Hi Jeremy,
I'm not sure my thoughts on this are right for you - or anyone else for
that matter. I think I should at least mention how I got mine.
Like most potters in NA I got my basic understanding from Clay and Glazes
by Dan Rhodes. I'm not sure I can recommend that book now - it is very
basic and in many ways - old fashioned - I think Hamers - Potters
Dictionary of Materials and Techniques is the best overall book now.
As for understanding glaze chemistry - I just bought a calculation program
and started looking at my glazes - in the beginning it raised more
questions than it answered but that led me to the answers - mostly in the
Hamer book.
I enjoyed the learning and still find it fascinating - not for everyone I
suppose - but anyone who says it is not interesting is either lying or from
another planet.
Just to clarify how much brain this actually takes - I barley got out of
high school - in fact had to repeat the two last years. Art and biology
were my best subjects - everything else was barely passed. What I am trying
to say here is - some passion for the subject and need to know attitude are
much more important than raw brain power.
I learned what I needed - as I needed it - one step at a time. That way you
don't get overwhelmed and discouraged. One step at a time will give you the
best chance for success in the long haul.
Incantations are of no value at all in this business - magic and
superstition will only slow you down. They are used by those who have
decided they can't learn anymore or have given up trying.
RR
Subject: Where to Begin Learning Proper Glaze Incantations?
So, what can I say? I'm a good cook and I didn't do too well in High School
chemistry (a lonnnnng time ago). Is there hope for me to get grounded in
all the jargon, variable, practice, and magic in the arena of glaze
formulations,
mixing, and firing?
What books, workshops, online resources, etc. will be helpful for one who is
truly starting the exploration of glazes from somewhere deep in uncharted
wilderness without map, compass, or much experience? Currently I'm using
commercially available glazes for ^6 firing and some raku firing. A ^10
gas reduction kiln is out there in my future, I'm pretty sure. It's time to
start slogging away at understanding glaze chemistry.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Jeremy McLeod
Ron Roy
93 Pegasus Trail
Scarborough
Ontario, Canada
M1G 3N8
Evenings 416-439-2621
Fax 416-438-7849
| |
|
