iandol on sun 7 sep 03
Dear Lance,
As far as I know the ash of all forms of botanical matter can be used.
But the big problem is always getting sufficient to be a useful
source. It takes about one hundred kilos of dry plant matter to create
about one kilogram of plant ash. If the ash is washed to remove
soluble alkali compounds then you are left with even less.
Every plant has what might be called an "Ash Signature" which depends
upon its metabolism and its environment. For example Mangrove trees
might be expected to be a rich source of Sodium chloride because of
their environment but they are not. But their leaves, if garnered
green do have Phosphorus. Yet if leaves which have fallen from the
tree are used they are deficient of Phosphorus.
These trees recycle Phosphorus because there is little in sea water.
Nettles are a rich source of Silica. Marine Algae have the ability to
sequester heavy metals. I have a good source of mixed fruit wood ash.
When I heavily prune, a friend takes the useable residue for her
winter heating and each Spring I get a few kilos of ash returned.
Hope you get some good results from your research.
Best regards,
Ivor Lewis. Redhill, South Australia
----- Original Message -----
From: "lance millward"
To: "iandol"
Sent: Friday, 5 September 2003 5:00
Subject: Natural Glazes...which ones?
> Thanks for your reply. I am a New Zealander with
> parents who moved to Melbourne and became Australians
> about 6 years ago.
>
> I was wondering what kinds of plants and leaves etc
> would make suitable glazes. I am in Japan so my plant
> life will differ from you a lot.
>
> I am a landscape architect, so if you know the latin
> names of the plants that is great.
>
> My teacher uses rice chaff, oak and bamboo ash. Any
> ideas for other plant glazes? I was wondering about
> cherry tree leaves?
>
> Lance.
>
> --- iandol wrote: > Dear Lance,
> >
> > Since you have piggy-backed on my post I will
> > suggest that there are many people who employ plant
> > and other forms of natural ash as glaze ingredients.
> > We also prospect for rocks and clays which supply us
> > with all the necessary ingredients for high
> > temperature glazes.
> >
> > There is nothing to stop those who search for
> > enlightenment in the lower temperate ranges from
> > incorporating selections from the manufactured base
> > of Frits to encourage the formation of the glass
> > phase while still employing natural ingredients for
> > the remainder of the recipe.
> >
> > Should you choose to work this way you may find
> > yourself doing a lot of testing. Fusion Buttons,
> > Line, Triaxial and Four part blends to find the
> > limitations of what is possible. but it is a rich
> > and rewarding pathway to pursue.
> >
> > Naturally, the best books in this field are written
> > by Australians.
> >
> > Best regards,
> >
> > Ivor Lewis. Redhill, South Australia
> >
> >
>
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