The Art of Crystalline Glazing: Basic Techniques

Preface

This is a "how-to-do-it" book. It was stimulated by our conversations with potters who either thought they could never produce a crystalline glaze or had tried for some time and were unsuccessful.In talking with them we discovered they had four basic problems.

• Not using an appropriate body.
• Not having a suitable glaze recipe.
• Not understanding how to determine the needed firing schedule.
• Not knowing "what to do next" when a particular firing was unsuccessful.

We address each of these issues (plus many more) in detail. And we give you 22 step-by-step Exercises to insure that you thoroughly understand all of the basic techniques.

There are several types of crystalline glazes. However, when people speak of a crystalline glaze they invariably mean the zinc crystalline glaze, with its beautiful, large, detailed crystals. And it is that glaze that we thoroughly discuss. We give complete, detailed directions for its mixing, application, and firing.

Crystalline glazes have been shrouded in mystery and (in our opinion) misinformation for far too long. We strip away all that and show you how easy it is to master these glazes.

In these pages the novice will find all the information needed to make and fire the zinc crystalline glaze. In addition, those already experienced with this fascinating glaze will find extensive technical information, recipes for many glazes, and techniques to enhance their expertise.

We believe that by combining our two very different attitudes towards exploring crystalline glazes, we give you a uniquely complete and useful guide. One of us (LeRoy) has a scientific background and his approach is very methodical and directed towards understanding the intricacies of the glazes. Jon on the other hand is a typical potter. He is interested in making beautiful pots that customers will be delighted to buy. And he has been making his living since 1995 exclusively by creating and selling crystalline-glazed ceramics.

As a result of our very different approaches, we have each discovered important techniques and facts about these glazes that the other probably would not have. And by pooling our information we have been able not only to produce stunning pots, but also to gain a deeper understanding of the glazes.

In these pages we share that knowledge with you.