Soda-fired Stoneware.
2014
An example of a piece with a juicy glaze quality.
Family of Cups.
Soda-fired Stoneware with under glaze.
2015
Here is an example of the same firing process, same kiln, and same clay-body without juicy surface.
The glaze on the top piece has a higher silica content than the slip on the outside of the bottom set. The piece on top also was lucky enough to be located in a space inside the kiln that was in the path of the flame and soda vapor during the firing process, thus producing a higher glass build up.
The sodium vapor, usually a mix of water and soda ash and sodium bi-carbonate, acts as a flux and combines with the silica ( the glass former) and alumina ( refractory ) within the clay body and the glaze.
This produces a sodium-alumino-silicate glaze, which has somewhat unpredictable affects largely determined by surface texture and placement of wadding / orientation of the piece within the kiln. All of which can produce wet or juicy visual aesthetics.
It's essentially painting with fire, and I absolutely love it.
beautiful..and a great description of the process...thank you
ReplyDeleteHow large are these?They are nice,thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThe tea bowl is about 4x4 inches.
DeleteThe tallest in the family of cups is about 5.5 inches tall, medium is 4.5, and baby Grace is 3.5.
These are awesome. Thanks for sharing and for the good explanation of the science behind it--I recently took a course in ceramics and have become increasingly excited by ceramics and the many possibilities of glazing processes.
ReplyDeleteAlso, its good to have a class with you Daniel; I had no idea I would be in the same program years ago when I was student teaching under you! Hope your move went smoothly and little one is doing well :)
"Painting with fire" .... thank you for sharing. I am always wanting to learn more about these processes. There is some mystery to firing methods and thanks for this insight!!
ReplyDeleteWow. I enjoyed seeing and reading about the processes. Was it James who taught Shelbi and you about the differences?
ReplyDeleteI studied ceramics at the undergraduate level with Von V. and Juan Granados and had exposure to atmospheric firing and glaze mixing, but taking classes with James has given me a lot of opportunity to build upon that and experiment. His experience and knowledge is amazing and you pick up so much just being around him.
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