JJHerb@aol.com on fri 2 may 97
I would encourage anyone who has an interest in unrefined glaze materials to
look into local availability first. The volcanic ash from a famous event has
a certain cachet (?) but there are possibilities close to most people s
homes. As an example, I have devised the idea for a Texas Glaze using the
following materials: Granite dust from a quarry in the Llano uplift, iron
bearing clay from the Weatherford area, Limestone dust from an Austin Chalk
outcrop, and some Mesquite ashes from a pit bar-b-que somewhere in Dallas. I
expect when I eventually do this, it will result in an acceptable glaze once
I find the correct proportions. This idea occurred following a Phil Rogers
workshop where he asked each of us to bring something, rock, clay, ashes, to
the Workshop for testing. Just a line blend of some of the clays with custer
feldspar produced two or three compositions worth further testing. So, the
red dirt from your backyard and feldspar can get you started toward your own
high fire glaze. In Kansas City, you could go to the Loess banks and the
underground limestone quarries. Recover the fine washings from the local
gravel pit. Dig some stuff from a glacial till bank. This stuff is all over
and you don t have to worry about the park rangers or pay Bill Gates for
permission to take stuff out of Washington.
Now we have established you can dig it, will you?
Joseph Herbert
JJHerb@aol.com
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