mel jacobson on sun 18 aug 02
in this edition of the american ceramics tech magazine,
there is an article on british ball clays. these clays are mined
in cornwall for the most part, and the author points out that
the clay is mined, sorted by size and texture, then re/combined
in a very precise way depending on the needs of the customer.
it is important to point out that when potters talk about
`ball clay`....or any other clay that is mined, it is a very
broad subject.
this article again opens one's eyes to just how precise the
industry is in selling quality clay, for very precise reasons,
to very picky customers.
my science background has certainly not given me the
ability to totally understand the chemistry of these clay
bodies, but i am smart enough to know that all `ball
clay`, is not the same...hardly.
thanks again ron and others for the help and information
that you pass on to us. it is just the top surface of a very
deep clay pit of knowledge.
mel
if you even have a passing interest in the
history of porcelain in the western world
read, "ARCANUM" BY Janet Gleeson; a Warner book.
isbn 0-446-52499-9
this book, along with `art and fear`, are assigned reading
for all clayarters.
the moderator.
there will be a test. closed book.
From:
Minnetonka, Minnesota, U.S.A.
web site: http://www.pclink.com/melpots
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