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.