Ron Roy on sat 21 feb 04
If anyone wants natural variations calculation can be used that way of
course - and analysis of raw materials can be used just as easily as
refined materials. Discovery comes in many ways.
I remember some one saying on this list once - I don't need or want to make
stable glazes. What he did not realize was - you can use the molecular
approach to make any kind of glazes - any way you want.
Excellent for replacing materials that are no longer available as well.
One of the strongest advantages is the insight into expansion and
contraction it gives. Imagine doing a triaxal blend - plugging the corners
into GlazeMaster and getting the calculated expansions of all the blends
instantly.
We have to understand - most of us are not using traditional combinations
of glazes and clays - we have a much more difficult job. We want to use
what ever clays we like - not what someone else has chosen for us - same
with the glazes.
Testing needs some way to "understand" what is going on - it's all about
having enough time to do all that testing and still have some flexibility
and time to make the pots we want to make.
I'm beginning to think - the only people who don't see the value of
calculation are those who have not used it - or maybe have not found the
creativity that is right for the job.
RR
> If one is
>dependent upon glaze calculations, one is forced to limit oneself to
>industrial, refined, purified, DEAD materials. There are other
>approaches to glazes, ones that are far more dependent upon testing.
>When you are using natural, unrefined materials, you can never be sure
>of the analysis. So you have to do more testing.
>
> The method dependent upon analysis is good at control and
>reproducible results. Traditional methods that use natural,
>non-industrial materials allow for more variation and discovery.
Ron Roy
RR#4
15084 Little Lake Road
Brighton, Ontario
Canada
K0K 1H0
Phone: 613-475-9544
Fax: 613-475-3513
Lee love on sun 22 feb 04
Ron Roy wrote:
>We have to understand - most of us are not using traditional combinations
>of glazes and clays
>
Wood ash is something that is available to all of us. When
I lived in St. Paul, one way I was able to get some uniformity in the
ash was that I got most of my ash from an old condo that I cleaned.
Everyone in the building burnt the same Red Elm in their fireplaces.
They were happy to get their fireplaces cleaned by me for free. :^)
It is good to see that some ceramic suppliers offer woodash for
sale, as it is good to see slips being offered in replacement to one of
traditional pottery materials, Albany slip. I certainly would use
Helmer clay if I were back home. If we create more demand for potter
specific materials, we can get them.
>what ever clays we like - not what someone else has chosen for us - same
>with the glazes.
>
>
Choices are multiplied if you can included more non-industrial
materials in your bag of tricks. If you restrict yourself to using
only industrial materials, industry is the "someone else" who is
choosing for you and by default, you reduce your choices.
>having enough time to do all that testing and still have some flexibility
>and time to make the pots we want to make.
>
>
Testing, if it becomes a part of your routine, doesn't really
have to take a lot of time. With ash glazes, you just have to plan
ahead. You always test the new batch of ash in a glaze, before you run
out of the old.
>I'm beginning to think - the only people who don't see the value of
>calculation are those who have not used it - or maybe have not found the
>creativity that is right for the job.
>
>
Using unrefined materials doesn't mean you cannot use glaze
calculation. You just don't have to be solely dependent upon
them. Whether you go about making your glazes by calculation or by
testing is a personal choice. But the methods you decided to use will
have an effect upon the outcome of your work.
It would be foolish to say that everybody had to use glaze
calculation to develop their glazes just as it would be foolish to say
that everybody should only use wet measure and testing. We are
lucky to have the choice. But remember, the best glazes that were
ever created were made by people who knew nothing about Seger formulas.
Lee In Mashiko
"With Humans it's what's here (he points to his heart) that makes the
difference. If you don't have it in the heart, nothing you make will
make a difference."
~~Bernard Leach~~ (As told to Dean Schwarz)
Ron Roy on mon 23 feb 04
It would also be foolish to say that the understanding that comes with
using calculation will not result in better glazes - and it would also be
misleading to say all the "best" glazes have been done.
We are about to see a lot of better glazes - glazes that are more stable
with a greater variety of surfaces and colours. Part of the reason for this
is the flexability and precision is due to calculation.
And those old "best" glazes are more easily adapted to personal habits,
clays and modern materials using calculation.
I am not saying that testing is not necessary - but I am saying that the
amount of testing needed is reduced when calculation is used in conjunction
with it. Having a better idea about where you are going is a huge
advantage. For instance - if you know what expansion is necessary for the
clays you are using you don't need to test all those mixtures that you know
won't work.
The combination of calculation and testing is better than either by itself
- if just for the understanding that it brings.
Never mind - we will all benefit from those who do decide to make
calculation a part of their tool box - lets just hope they will be generous
and sharing with those that don't.
RR
> It would be foolish to say that everybody had to use glaze
>calculation to develop their glazes just as it would be foolish to say
>that everybody should only use wet measure and testing. We are
>lucky to have the choice. But remember, the best glazes that were
>ever created were made by people who knew nothing about Seger formulas.
Ron Roy
RR#4
15084 Little Lake Road
Brighton, Ontario
Canada
K0K 1H0
Phone: 613-475-9544
Fax: 613-475-3513
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