The Origins of Clay
by Chris GarciaIn the early eighties, the origins of clay were simple: it came in two colors and was available in rectangular, 25-pound bags. In the late eighties and in the early nineties, clay came in multiple 50…
Q&A: Cracked Clay – Jelly Roll Delamination
Q: When I cut my pre-mixed commercial clay there is a circular crack. Will that damage my pots?
Sustainable Pottery: the locally made kiln shelves of Nigeria
Sustainable pottery production is evident and achievable in rural areas and developing countries where importing material or equipment might be impractical due to inadequate, or lack of, logistical in…
Color effects of Zinc silicate crystalline glaze applied on Ceramic sculpture
by Yasmina Heidar, Hala El-GinkSeveral metal oxides are experimented with, including copper oxide, cobalt oxide, ferric oxide, lead oxide, and tin oxide. Under specific firing rates on 28 samples affecting the nucleation and growth…
Raku-Fired Waterproof Vases
Raku-fired vases are always popular because of their beautiful metallic sheen, but prospective buyers often ask whether it is safe to fill the vases with water. I explain that Raku firing is different…
Q&A: What are the most common pottery myths?
Surprisingly, once some potters recognize the myths present in their pottery making practices they still do not want to let them go. Listed below are some of the many myths which still circulate in th…