This post has been delayed because to be frank I didn’t want to post it, but in order to demonstrate that my expedition into ceramics is not all sweetness and light, it had to be done.
I now have my first pots out of the kiln for about a week following glazing. As you can see they are a motley crew, and whilst I am pleased overall with the throwing, trimming etc; it is clear I have a lot to learn about decoration, oxides and glazes. I also tried my luck with a couple of encaustic tiles which I can also improve upon with more attention to detail.
The glazes are all basic supplier and “bought off the shelf” and I thought my tests, see previous blog post, would be a fair guide as to the results I might expect. However, clearly there are a number of variables I have not taken into account of which, I suspect, thickness of application is the primary culprit.
In order not to make up a great quantity of glazes I might not use, I have painted on glazes to these pots, none are dipped or sprayed. I have used the suppliers recommended “medium” mixed in the requisite amounts etc but clearly I have not been able to get the desired / expected results.
My pottery teacher and mentor, Jo Dove, is due to visit in a couple of weeks and I hope she will be able to set me straight over a glass or two of fine French wine.
I have thrown another set of white stoneware pots ,which I will be dipping into a variety of the glazes, and hoping for better results in a subsequent firing.
Hi Peter, developing your colours and patterns will of course be trial and error! I must admit, l very much like the work you’ve produced here in England before your move, as l am drawn to anything blue or green! I do like the colours of your work in the 2nd photo though. Keep at it, and am looking forward in seeing you progress.
Lynne ??
Do you know what? I find that as long as we let go of the image we have in our mind (the one that tells us what it should be), sometimes it is the ‘surprises’ that work. That blue pot in the first image in the right is lovely. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.