Lili Krakowski on sun 5 dec 04
When using surface clays, found clays, in glazes, one must remember =
this; that river bank and lake clays are all too liklely to be filled =
with ghastlies: lead, mercury, not to mention sewage with bacteria and =
such like. Surface clays in my experience need to be sieved to remove =
pebbles and sand, and then mixed with neph sy, whiting, dolomite, spar, =
and wood ash. Not all together, not all at once. The boron containing =
frits are nice too, but can create that boron-iron look which not =
everyone likes. NONE OF THIS REMOVES THE BAD THINGS.=20
I would discourage anyone from trying surface clays out. Probably a =
local geologist, ag dept person, waterways person can tell you what bad =
things are likely to be in the clay, but even they cannot tell you if =
some yacht discharged fecal matter full of hepatitis germs. Or whether =
some deer or other wild animal contributed parasites.
I am desperately sorry to be so grim. Too many people love the "native" =
approach and dig up clay and make darling things with their kiddies, =
not aware of the potential risks. =20
Red Art and other commercially available clays can provide years of =
glaze exploration, esp. if they are used as a part of the whole clay =
constituent of a glaze.
Yes, yes, dear You Know Who, it's the Alarmist again!
Lili Krakowski
Be of good courage
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