David Woof on tue 6 sep 05
Sedementary clays may occur as naturally levigated deposits in that what you
may presently have is the heaver first to settle sand and clay particles.
not always but worth time is to study the ancient course of the water and
determine what happened to the water carrying the finer clay and where,
after it dropped the heavy stuff, it slowed enough to precipitate this
cleaner clay. It may be a backwater or slough area where over time the
waters repeatedly filled and then precipitated their clay burden away from
the dropping of coarse to fine gravel and the subsequent gradeing of
progressively finer particles of sand, silt, and clay. this clay will be
rich in organic plasticizing materials due to the life cycle of sloughs
between floodings.
An observation of modern watercourses will teach much on recognition of the
principals involved.
We are still discovering what knowledge our ancient relatives posessed of
these things, so they may have used several sources for formulating a
working clay body just as we do today. I say "may have" because i don't
wish to spend valuable time debating on or off list with those who wait to
argue about anything, everything, or something that pales in light of the
events of this world we currently live in.. Please go look it up and satisfy
yourself. learn more in the process. I"m sure that ground seashells and
micacious earth materials are also widely known as tempering materials that
lend authenticity to your "native" process if available in your area.
Fredrick Paget has a point to consider, other than that it is good for every
clay person to know something of the natural source of the primary materials
pf our craft, we may be forced to this source, economicaly and perhaps
physically.
Then we will see who sits on their hands or digs with their fingers. Who
must make things of clay or die a little each day. No more posts about
suddenly irrelevent things like who is an artist, real potter, bla de da. a
clear understanding of why you must fill in or barricade your clay pit so
the neighbors cow doesn't slip in and drown in the next high water. trade in
our birkees for, Lee, where did you say you get those cool muck hoppers?
David Woof
peering over the edge, reverently taking an irreverent look at everything.
Ron Roy on thu 8 sep 05
I don't think it would be wise to incorporate ground sea shells into a clay
body - the calcium carb would be converted to quick lime and rehydrate
after firing - No?
RR
>I"m sure that ground sea shells and
>micacious earth materials are also widely known as tempering materials that
>lend authenticity to your "native" process if available in your area.
Ron Roy
RR#4
15084 Little Lake Road
Brighton, Ontario
Canada
K0K 1H0
Phone: 613-475-9544
Fax: 613-475-3513
| |
|
