Empowering Ceramicists: Exploring the Relationship Between Material Variations and Visual Artifacts Within a Glaze

Article Abstract

In exploring relationships within ceramic glaze formulas, this research project analyzes how understanding and gaining control over a glaze formula can change the way potters approach their work. This exploration of glazing promotes empowerment and independence, as artists can begin to assume a larger role in a previously inaccessible portion of their artistic processes. Many potters do not have the availability of materials or the understanding to create their own glazes and purchase pre-made bottles of glaze, which inhibit the artists from having complete control over their pieces as a whole. In this project, I have worked to analyze the minute variations in each glaze recipe. I researched the relationships between the recipe and the visual, textural, and functional elements of a glaze through a series of test firings, recording relationships, and formulating alterations. Findings show that the amount of silica, clay, and flux can affect a glaze’s maturing temperature and overall appearance, and that colorants react differently with different base glazes. These findings provide a point for ceramicists to alter their own recipes, giving artists a new sense of control and opening up opportunities for future research on materials used in glaze chemistry.

Read the full article here: https://issuu.com/vsuenglish/docs/volume_10/s/11365551