Janet Kaiser on sat 25 oct 03
pots)
Bet that header made a couple of you think, "here she goes
again!"
First, I have to agree with Malcolm about drying ceramics before
putting them away, most especially if wrapped in plastic or
air-tight containers of any type. But WHAT on EARTH is wrong with
good old-fashioned newsprint? At least that allows the pots to
breath and is a whole lot more environmentally friendly. I
suppose plastic is considered a more hygienic option? The
"hygiene take" always makes me smile... And when 80% of students
questioned in a recent poll do not wash their hands after going
to the toilet, I feel it is a valid stance!!
And something really "goes on" inside those plastic wraps too...
We have "scientifically proved" that fact too Truly... And
it is like this: We sell slate (the real stone and not epoxy
mixed with slate dust ersatz) and if it is wrapped up in plastic
it acquires marking on the surface/s. If left in bubble wrap, the
blob pattern is *indelibly* transferred to the stone! If that can
happen to slate, a natural impervious stone, imagine what can
happen to other stuff. But then we have different ways of dealing
with daily stuff because we live in a pretty damp climate to
people elsewhere in drier climates... Anything leather like shoes
will go mouldy if left in cupboards or draws and we have to "air"
clothes in warm airing cupboards to prevent them acquiring mouldy
patches. All household items like glasses, pots, cutlery all has
a "right" and a "wrong" way of storing efficiently to prevent
spoilage or damage... Just another area of "household management"
passed on or acquired over time, as the numbers of "how to"
articles in magazines and even TV shows illustrate.
But why do I say US potters AND users are narrowing the ceramic
playing field? Well, I was sitting here thinking about domestic
ware and the bias towards what is "acceptable"... It appears to
me that because of what was once classed as "hotel ware", is
basically now what everyone expects of ALL pots. They are
supposed to be so robust they will last forever and there is the
added requirement that they be oven, microwave and dishwasher
proof. Then again, you have clay bodies which apparently vitrify
at cone 5-6. Glaze ingredients which are rarities in other
countries... Everything creates a pretty narrow outlook as to
what is an acceptable pot and what range of work fulfils those
criteria, does it not?
All the older styles, techniques and technologies are being
discarded and marginalised OR they are becoming quaint little
niche markets and the makers have to fight for a shrinking
clientele who know how to treat pots as Grandma did.... I really
find it all rather a depressing thought!
Sincerely
Janet Kaiser -- would have gone on, but my cousin phoned from New
Zealand... Two hours later, I have lost the thread and anyway I
have to look up some technical information for him... Why all the
men I know have an irresistible urge to mess with the innards of
PCs down to tweaking the BIOS and stuff is beyond me...
*** IN REPLY TO THE FOLLOWING MAIL:
>As you know, even most stoneware will absorb some water.
Earthenware,
>although "properly" fired, will absorb somewhat more. There is
>nothing wrong with that, they just need time to dry.
>
>Since most people now seem to expect vitrified ware for food
vessals,
>it is best to meet that expectation. However, low-fire vessals
have
>been used for food many thousands of years, giving good service.
*** THE MAIL FROM Malcolm Schosha ENDS HERE ***
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The top posted mail was sent by Janet Kaiser
The Chapel of Art : Capel Celfyddyd
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