Steven Blankenbeker on wed 1 dec 04
Thanks for the many responses on the new Avery kaolin. I won't need
anymore field testers. Those who requested samples in the last few days
will have their samples sent out tomorrow. And for those who asked, we
won't be charging for the samples or shipping, just appreciate your
interest in helping.
I have been around the clay business long enough to know that there will
not be a clay that will be a direct replacement for Avery. There is too
much diversity out there. Somebody will say it is terrible and some will
think it is the answer to their prayers. I spoke at the Wooster conference
many years ago, and detailed some of the work that Cedar Heights did to
provide new materials for potters - clays, grogs, etc. I was asked by
several potters to see what we could do about replacing Avery kaolin. And
we did pursue that, but found out quickly that even if the material could
be mined, it was only 15% of the host earth, and there was no way we could
even think at that time about beneficiating it. When I got to NC, and saw
this material, I knew that there was a possibility it would be similar. I
also knew the NC Minerals Research Group could help us to determine if it
is good material. When this eventually becomes available, it will be
because of a group of individuals and companies working together, but
especially these engineers at the research lab. They are like mad clay
scientists, and they especially want this to work. It has never been our
goal to compete with any clay that is already out there. It's not like
talking someone into driving a Ford instead of a Chevy. The goal is for
the potter to say "that is the look I am looking for". I don't care if it
is Helmer or #6 Tile Clay or the clay that we have been working on that
achieves that result, and the ones who know me well know I mean that. The
potters lost something when the Avery became extinct. We're just trying to
respond to that loss. Thanks again.
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