Monday, August 23, 2010
Marvelous Monday
When at Sunapee a couple weeks ago, I came across a ceramic artist who worked with crystalline glazing. I couldn't find any info on her, so I thought I would search the 'net and show some pictures of this beautiful glazing technique. It's created when you begin firing your piece in the kiln at say 2400 degrees and crash cool it down to about 2000 degrees. You continue to drop and hold the temperature. In the center of the nuclei, crystals begin to grow similar to like frost on a window The shape and style of the crystal that is formed is dependant on how you adjust the temperature in the kiln. The effects that you'll see is like when you throw a rock into the water, and it forms little ripples around the center. If you're like me and get a thrill from looking at sunsets and cloud formations, you'll surely love this technique - it's purely magical! Hope you enjoy - have a marvelous Monday!
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7 comments:
And who is this artist? Beautiful! One of my favorite ceramic glazing techniques.
Magical, yes. Absolutely stunning!
Jeanne - the artist is Ginny Conrow (http://www.conrowporcelain.com/) for all the items except the last. I just googled "chrystalline glaze ceramics" and found many pictures via the first site listed. I wish I could have sent you to the woman at Sunapee. Her ceramics were in the blue family but most of them really looked a lot like the last "galaxy" picture in my post.
Isn't it magic. I dabbled in it many years ago. Part of the technique involves keeping the temperature constant at the lower level, where the glaze is still runny and crystals can form. It's a very difficult process and there are lots of hits and misses. Some artists are really good at getting the crystal build-up in areas enhancing the vessel.
Great find, Janice
Sabine
I also found this website that lists other artists who use this technique: http://www.creativecreekartisans.com/creativecreek_CrystallineArtists.htm
And Sabine - your work is so beautiful and unusual!
The glazes are beautiful! Sorry I missed you at Sunapee... I was only there on weekends at CraftWear and The Shop at the Fair... and never got out to see much else!
Ann - I heard you could be found at "The Shop..." but I never found you - now I know why! I was only there Monday and Wednesday.
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