Stephanie Wright on fri 9 mar 07
Hi Bill and Everybody!
I have been reading the book "Crystalline Glazes" by Diane Creber, and am
absolutely fascinated by the crystalline glaze process! I would love to
try it, but the powers that be at my pottery class are hesitant to let me.
I may be able to convince them if there is any way to decrease the
runniness of the glaze while still getting crystal formation.
There are two potters noted in Ms. Creber's book. They are Raymond Phaneuf
(pg 44), and William Sawhill (pgs 114-115). The photo of Mr. Phaneuf's pot
has the notation that he puts a non-flowing glaze on the bottom of the pot
to reduce running of the crystalline glaze. A description of Mr. Sawhill's
work says that he layers 3 different glazes on his pots to reduce running -
a "colourant" glaze, a crystalline base, and a "barrier layer" glaze.
Have you tried, or are you familiar with either of these methods? The book
did not go into any detail regarding how much this helped slow/stop the
glazes from running.
Do you think either of these methods would eliminate the need for grinding
the foot of the pot? I don't mind using collectors under the pots while
firing, but my school does not have the tools necessary for grinding.
Is there any other way you know of to stiffen a crystalline glaze a bit
without sacrificing crystal formation?
Also, has anyone found a way to fire crystalline glazes successfully in a
reduction atmosphere? I mean, besides firing in oxidation then refiring in
reduction, or just barely reducing at the very end of the firing?
If I can get past the runny/need for grinding issue, my entire class would
be interested in trying a test firing.
Thanks for any advice/directions you can provide!
Stephanie
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