Friday, February 8, 2013

A PINCH OF THIS, A PINCH OF THAT

I have been testing variations to a few different formulas I use recently, my Oribe(s) included. For years I have used a small pinch of iron in the formula to temper the overall "green-ness" of the glaze and have decided to take it a step further. I recently made an overglaze composed of red iron oxide and frit made up extremely thin and then dipping the glazed Oribe (TPCu) pot into it. The addition of the wash over the Oribe has certainly tempered the green and created varying tones as well as softening the overall appearance. The bowl illustrated is a test bowl that I have been working out new textures on, the combination of the Oribe and the wash seem to accentuate the texture and create variation in the surface, especially in the recesses of the piece. In evaluating new glazes and surfaces it is rather important to keep good records, but I wonder how greatly "a pinch of this and a pinch of that" varies from potter to potter?