search  current discussion  categories  materials - misc 

a quest for oxides......

updated fri 2 oct 98

 

Beth and Matt Stichter on wed 30 sep 98

Calling upon the collective Clayart Memory:

I was pursing the latest issue of American Craft magazine
(october/november) and stumbled across the very thing I have been searching
for these many years. On page 52, there is an artist by the name of Susana
Espinosa who has employed a mysterious array of "oxides" in order to
achieve a beautifully aged patina.....greens, blue-greens, and browns in
subtle hues.

I have endeavored to obtain these colors with Cobalt carbonate, copper
oxide, and iron oxide, but perhaps I was not firing to the correct
temperature or applying the oxides in the 'correct way'. I'd appreciate
any insight and advice. Thanks in advance....



- Beth

June Perry on thu 1 oct 98

Without seeing it, it sounds like it could be a very high barium glaze with
copper as the main colorant.

It would definitely not be a glaze to use on anything functional or anything
that someone might be tempted to use to hold food or liquid.

I have a recipe for such a glaze, but I injured my back loading the kiln and
have not been in the studio for a while. If you'd like I can post it when I
find it. With over 5000 glaze recipes, it might take me a while! :-) Perhaps
someone on the list can provide a quicker answer.

Regards,
June