THE GLAZES

Possibly "mysterious," is a term to strong, but when working with glazes, there is always at the very least, an air of excitement and anticipation, especially when mixing your own, and when using a base formula from someone else.   There are so many variables, opening the kiln at the end of a firing is always filled with anticipation.  For example, the color, finish like matte, glossy, satin, faults like pin holing and crazing, running or moving which one sometimes wants, are all dependent on the rate of temperature climb, the final temperature reached, the length of time the kiln is held at the final temperature, and the rate at which the kiln is cooled.  All this, of course is subject to other possible exceptions.  This variation in the finished  glazing, though often very subtle, inevitable leads to the beauty of pottery that is made by hand.  Thus it has been over the centuries.  It is what, among other things, adds interest, value, esthetic beauty and grace to each individual piece.  It is where artistry and craftsmanship meets.  I frequently tell customers and students that if one wants perfect coloration and precision shop at K-Mart and Target. Below is a sampling of the glazes that we have in our Studio.  Below each sample is a brief explanation of the glaze and some of its characteristics.  Hopefully this will help you in selecting the color or colors you like.  We are always experimenting with glazes and new ones may now and then appear.  Be sure to check back or let us know of primary colors you particularly like.  After all, pleasing the patrons of art rates very high on the scale of creation, at least it does with us.

Variegated Blue with Crystalline Black

Glacier Green with Crystalline Black

These are our two primary glazes and glaze combinations that are used in the Studio.

The Glacier Green is applied first and then Crystalline Black is sprayed around the rim.  When fired at cone 6 the black glaze mixes with the green and creates a blue cast often with blue specks.

The Veriegeted Blue which has several colorants is applied first then Crystalline Black is dipped or brushed on around the rim.  The movement of the black glaze and the colorants in the blue glaze is what creates the variation in colors.

Crystalline Black

Raspberry

Elk Brown

A deep raspberry glaze that seems to respond best when sprayed  rather than dipped and fired to cone 6.  It is a beautiful glaze that works well in combination with other glazes.

Fired to cone 6 this is an unusual glaze that has some potential.  It breaks nicely giving a variation in coloration.

This is the same glaze that is used on the Glacier Green and Variagate Blue, but reacts entirely different when fired at cone 5, a lower temperature.  The dinnerware set here has a beautiful dark pewter matte cast which is highlighted by a clear liner glaze that was randomly applied.  This glaze is very rich, deep, and soft in coloration.

Sienna with a Clear Liner Glaze

Satin White

Nutmeg

Here the Sienna is combined with a clear liner that was poured inside the stein giving the piece a masculine appearance.

The Satin White glaze is seldom used by itself but rather in combination with other glazes.  It creates a contrast that works well expecially with greens, blues, and reddish browns.

A reddish brown glaze that has a mottled appearance.   This glaze combines nicely with Satin White.