Kate Kraus Ceramic Glazing Discipline Report
I. General Background
1. Description of Field
A ceramic glaze is a mixture of silica and flux used to vitrify a ceramic base. Silica melts at
1710 degrees centigrade, but with the addition of other materials, the melting temperature can be
lowered and make it possible to form glass at lower temperatures. Glazes differ from glass; they
are applied in raw form to the ceramic base and are then exposed to heat. Glass, on the other
hand, is first heated and then shaped. Glazes must have a high viscosity in order to adhere to the
ceramic base during firing. Glasses have a low viscosity to facilitate the molding and shaping
while in a liquid state. The short firing time of glazes can leave impurities in the glaze, such as
crystalline that is not completely melted, or air bubbles as a byproduct of chemical processes,
resulting in differing textures, colors, and porosity. Pigments, colloidal colors, and solutions of
transition metal ions can be added to glazes to produce color. Glazes can be used to decorate
ceramics through color, texture, and surface sheen.
The firing time, firing temperature, apportioning of glaze ingredients, mixing of glaze
ingredients, and method of application to the clay base are all factors that contribute to the
appearance of the glaze. To determine the right technique to achieve the desired results, potters
and ceramist may do preliminary testing, using sample glazed strips. By glazing test segments
of clay, firing these at various durations and temperatures, with gradations of coating thickness,
and proportions of materials used, the potter can attain sample results. These can then be used to
gauge the technique necessary to create the aesthetics desired. Computer software is also
commercially available to estimate the correct technique necessary to achieve the chosen effect.
2. Key Terms
Cone: A device for measuring the temperature of the kiln, made up of a mixture of materials
designed to melt at a certain temperature.
Flux: A substance which promotes or causes melting.
Frit: Glass that has been melted, cooled, and ground into a powder, used in glazes and enamels.
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Salt glaze: A method of glazing in which salt is added to the kiln, producing vapors which
interact with the clay base to create a hard glassy outer layer.
3. Current Topic
After the recent closure of the Gerstley borate mine, and the unavailability of Gerstley borate,
discussion has taken place regarding use of alternative materials. Manufacturers of clay
suppliers have placed substitution products on the market, some of which have produced similar
results to Gerstley borate in sample testing.1 In addition unavailability of other materials such as
Jordan clay and Avery kaolin, have brought attention to the advantages of seeking alternate
sources or distributors for ceramic glaze materials. The glaze materials are produced for mass
industrial use and its continued production and supply is dependent on continued industrial need.
Despite ubiquitous use of these materials by potters and ceramists, they are not a significant
portion of the buying market and therefore have little control over the production of materials
that are vital to their profession. In response to the unavailability of Gerstley borate, Jordan clay,
and Avery kaolin, potters have explored use of over the counter sources of glaze materials. In
addition there has been a resurgence of interest in obtaining glaze materials and clays naturally
by locating clay deposits and rocks in the local environment.
4. Outstanding Glaze Ceramists
Greg Daly is an Australian potter who is internationally renowned for his experimentation with
glazes and production of rich glaze effects. His work has been shown in 60 solo exhibits and
won 36 international and national awards including the 1982 Grand Prize for Ceramics in the 3rd
Biennale Mondiale Des Metiers D'Art held in Nice, France and Silver Medal from the 1991
International Ceramic Exhibition in Sopot, Poland. Greg Daly was president of Craft Australia
from 1992-1995. In 1995 his book Glazes and Glazing Techniques was published by Simon and
Schuster. He is the recipient of a 1999 ARC grant for the study of red copper glazes as affected
by firing cycles. His work has been reviewed in Ceramic Form, Studio Ceramics, Ceramics of
the World, Masters of Modern Ceramics, and The Australian Pottery Box.
1Web
sites on Gerstley borate alternatives are listed in the Internet resources.
2
Gail Nichols is internationally known for her use of soda glazes. She has developed her own
method of soda glazing, using a high alumina clay body in combination with introduction of soda
ash, baking soda, calcium carbonate, and water to the kiln, and then followed by a firing at 1280
degrees C. Gail earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University in 1976, a
ceramics certificate at St. George TAFE in Sydney Australia in 1985, and an Associate of Arts
diploma at St. George TAFE in 1995. She began graduate study at Monash
University/Gippsland in Victoria, Australia in 1995 and completed her degree in 1998. She
immediately entered into the postgraduate studies and defended her Ph.D. thesis in 2001. She
worked as a professional potter, a ceramics instructor, guest lecturer, and has been published in
Pottery in Australia, Ceramics Technical, Ceramics Monthly, and Compass 2001. Her work has
been shown in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia as well as in the United States.
5. Pottery and Ceramic Associations
Craft Potters Association
25 Foubert's, London W1F 7QF, UK
Craft Potters Association of Great Britain Ltd. was formed in 1958 to promote the pottery of the
members and over all appreciation of contemporary potters and pottery. Craft Potters
Association sells the pottery created by its members through Contemporary Ceramics, a London
retail operation.
Publications: Ceramic Review (bi-monthly) and CPA News (monthly)
Studio Potter
P.O. Box 70, Goffstown, NH 03045
Studio Potter is a New Hampshire organization created to address the needs of working potters, a
pursuit that was not discussed in scholarly ceramic publications. Studio potter began with a $700
grant in 1972 and has grown to be a major contributor in the field of ceramics. The organization
focuses on potters who earn their living through creating functional ceramics.
Publications: Studio Potter(semi-annual) and Studio Potter Network News(semi-annual)
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II. The Literature of the Field
1. Primary Sources
Carnegy, Daphne. Tin-Glazed Earthenware: from Maiolica, Faience and Delftware to the
Contemporary. Radnor, Pennsylvania: Chilton Book Company, 1993.
NK 4290 .C37 1993
Clinton, Margery. Lustres. London: B. T. Batsford Limited, 1991. NK 4399 .L9 C55 1991
Fraser, H. Glazes for the Craft Potter. New York: Watson-Guptill Publications, 1974.
TT 922 F7 1974
Hopper, Robin. The Ceramic Spectrum: a Simplified Approach to Glaze & Color Development.
Radnor, Pennsylvania: Chilton Book Company, 1984. TP 823 .H66 1984
Mansfield, Janet. Salt-Glaze Ceramics : an International Perspective. Radnor, Pennsylvania:
Chilton Book Company, 1992. TP 823 .M35 1992
Parmelee, Cullen W. Ceramic Glazes. York, Pennsylvania: Maple Press Co., 1973.
TP 812 .P28 1973 Windward Community College
Rhodes, Daniel. Clay and Glazes for the Potter. Philadelphia: Chilton Book Company, 1973.
TP 808 .R49 1973
Sutherland, Brian. Glazes from Natural Sources: a Working Handbook for Potters. London:
B. T. Batsford Limited, 1987. TP 823 .S88 1987
2. Bibliographic Control
Indexing Services:
ART bibliographies Modern, Santa Barbara, California: Clio Press, 1969-. REF N1 .A1 L66
ART bibliographies Modern, Santa Barbara, California: Clio Press, 1974-. [Available online.]
Art Abstracts, New York, H. W. Wilson, 1984-. [Available online.]
Art Index, New York, H. W. Wilson, 1929-. REF N1 .A79
Bibliography of the History of Art, Santa Monica, California: J. Paul Getty Trust, Getty Art
History Information Program, 1993-1999. REF N1 .A1 B52
Ingenta, Cambridge, Massachusetts: Ingenta co.,1988-. [Available online.]
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Répertoire International de la Littérature de l'Art, New York: College Art Association of
America, 1975-1989. REF N1 .A1 R47
Guides to Literature in the Field:
Campbell, James Edward. Pottery and Ceramics: a Guide to Information Sources. Detroit: Gale
Research Company, 1978. REF NK 4225 .C35
Bibliographies:
Oppelt, Norman T. Southwestern Pottery : an Annotated Bibliography and List of Types and
Wares. Greeley: Museum of Anthropology, University of Northern Colorado, 1976.
Z 7179 .O66
3. Secondary Sources
Dormer, Peter. The New Ceramics: Trends and Traditions. London: Thames and Hudson, 1994.
NK 3930 .D67 1994
Fairbanks, Jonathan, Angela Fina, and Christopher Gustin. The Contemporary Potter : a
Collection of the Best Original Work in Earthenware, Porcelain, and Stoneware.
Gloucester, Massachusetts: Quarry Books, 2000. NK 3930 .C66 2000
Lane, Peter. Ceramic Form : Design and Decoration. New York: Rizzoli, 1988.
NK 3930 .L35 1988
Wood, Nigel. Chinese Glazes. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1999.
TP 812 .W65 1999
Wood, Nigel. Oriental Glazes: Their Chemistry, Origins and Re-creation. London: Pitman
Publishing Limited, 1978. TP 812 .W66
4. Outstanding Journals
Ceramics Art and Perception, Sydney, Australia: Ceramics Art and Perception, Pty. Ltd., 1990-.
NK 3700 .C472
Ceramics Monthly, Columbus, Ohio: American Ceramic Society, 1953-.
Closed Shelves NK 3700 .C46
2Selected
articles are available online from http://www.ceramicart.com.au/current.htm . See Internet
resources for full citation.
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Ceramics Technical, Sydney, Australia: Ceramics Art and Perception, Pty. Ltd., 1995-.
Not Available in Hamilton Library3
5. Reference Works
Manuals:
Creber, Diane. Crystalline Glazes. Philadelphia : University of Pennsylvania Press, 1997.
TP 823 .C741 1997
Green, David. A Handbook of Pottery Glazes. New York : Watson-Guptill Publications, 1979.
TP 812 .G76 1979
Rice, Prudence M. Pottery Analysis : a Sourcebook. Chicago: University of Chicago Press,
1987. NK 3780 .R53 1987
Dictionaries:
Hamer, Frank and Janet Hamer. The Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques.
Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1991. TT 919.5 H35 1991
Fournier, Robert. Illustrated Dictionary of Pottery Decoration. New York: Prentice Hall Press,
1986. TT 920 .F677 1986
6. Sources Peculiar to the Field
Guides to Art Exhibits:
Valenstein, Suzanne G. A Handbook of Chinese Ceramics. New York : Metropolitan Museum
of Art, 1989. NK 4165 .V34 1989
Glaze Recipe Books:4
Behrens, Richard. Ceramic Glazemaking: Experimental Formulation and Glaze Recipes.
Columbus, Ohio: Professional Publications, 1976. UH Hilo TP 812 .B36
Cooper, Emmanuel. The Potter's Book of Glaze Recipes. New York: Scribner, 1980.
TT 922 .C67 1980
7. Internet Sources
3selected
articles are available online from http://www.ceramicart.com.au/technical.htm. See Internet
resources for full citation.
4 More glaze recipes are found on the internet. See Internet resources for full citation.
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Online Journals with Selected Full Text:
Ceramics Art and Perception Pty Ltd. “Ceramics Art and Perception,” Ceramic Art and
Perception Online. Home page on-line. Available from
http://www.ceramicart.com.au/current.htm; Internet; accessed 5 February 2002.
Ceramics Art and Perception Pty Ltd. “Ceramics Technical,” Ceramics Technical Online.
Home page on-line. Available from http://www.ceramicart.com.au/technical.htm; Internet;
accessed 5 February 2002.
Clay Work. “Clay Work Online Edition,” Clay Work Online. Home page on-line. Available
from http://carrog.co.uk/nwp/claywork.htm; Internet; accessed 1 February 2002.
Online Reference:
Clayart. “Clayart Discussions by Subject,” Clayart Online. Home page on-line. Available from
http://www.potters.org/categories.htm; Internet; accessed 2 February 2002.
This is a discussion page with postings organized by subject. Techniques and glazing are both
included in the subject topics.
Clay Times. “Reference Section,” Clay Times Online. Home page on-line. Available from
http://www.claytimes.com/refrence.htm; Internet; accessed 30 January 2002.
This page is for the Clay Times Journal, which focuses on current trends in clay techniques. It
includes a “Reference Section” which contains information on glaze safety, an index to glaze
components, and glaze recipes.
Claynet. “Claynet International,” Claynet Online. Home page on-line. Available from
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~claynet/home.htm; Internet; accessed 5 February 2002.
Clay net is a forum for international ceramic artists. The site includes a virtual gallery, a
directory of ceramic artists organized by country, and listing of ceramic periodicals, links to
ceramic software sites, and an events page.
Digitalfire Corporation. “Glaze Calculation Software,” Digitalfire Corporation Online. Home
page on-line. Available from http://www.digitalfire.com; Internet; accessed 2 February
2002.
Digitalfire Glaze Sponsored by Insight glaze calculating software. Includes information on
Insight, glaze recipes, and even an article that advocates calculating glaze recipes from a
standard recipe through trial and error without the use of glaze calculating software.
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University of British Columbia. “Minerals in Thin Section,” University of British Columbia
EOS Online. Home page on-line. Available from http://www.science.ubc.ca/~eoswr/cgibin/db_minerals/search.cgi; Internet; accessed 3 February 2002.
University of British Columbia Minerals List.
Includes pictures of each mineral and description of properties.
Glaze Recipes:
Centr@l Cl@y. “Glaze Recipes,” Centr@l Cl@y Online. Home page on-line. Available from
http://www.cclay.com/glazes.htm; Internet; accessed 2 February 2002.
Jacobs, James Q. “Glaze Recipes,” JQJacobs.net Online. Home page on-line. Available from
http://www.jqjacobs.net/art/glazes.html; Internet; accessed 7 February 2002.
Petschell Pottery. “Cone 10 Glazes,” Petschell pottery Online. Home page on-line. Available
from http://www.sundial.net/~petschel/c10glazes.html; Internet; accessed 4 February
2002.
Pilachowski, Stephen. “Glaze Recipes,” Stephen’s pottery Online. Home page on-line.
Available from http://members.bellatlantic.net/~spilacho/glazes.htm; Internet; accessed 5
February 2002.
Gerstley Borate:
Digitalfire Corporation. “Gerstley borate.com,” Digitalfire Corporation Online. Home page online. Available from http://digitalfire.com/gerstleyborate/index.html; Internet; accessed 8
February 2002.
III. Use Patterns
1. Information-Gathering Habits of Suzanne Wolfe
Title: Professor of Art, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Research interests: History of Ceramics and History of Dining and Food Presentation
Publications: Photographs of work
Wolfe, Suzanne. “China Vase,” Ceramics Monthly 36, no.7 (1988): 50.
Wolfe, Suzanne. “Classic Vase,” Ceramics Monthly 36, no.7 (1988): 49.
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Use of Campus Resources: Uses Hamilton Library, Sinclair Library, Interlibrary Loan Services,
and Reference Desks
Suzanne Wolfe does all of her information gathering herself. She does not have any student
helpers. She usually begins her search by consulting the Internet or UH Voyager. She uses both
Hamilton and Sinclair Library and makes use of reference desks and interlibrary loan services.
She occasionally searches in Art Abstracts and/or Ingenta but does not use any print indexes.
She frequently uses the Internet and consults a web based database on ceramics from the Yale
web site and Library of Congress OPAC. Students are permitted to use Internet sources for
citations, although citations of journals and books are preferred. The library could be a more
useful resource for Suzanne Wolfe, if personalized instructional assistance for the new resources
in her field was available. In particular she would like to see production of a detailed outline that
explicitly lists the resources available and how they can be accessed from the library home page.
Suzanne Wolfe has an extensive personal collection of materials.
2. Course Curriculum
Certain aspects of ceramic glazing are covered in most ceramics studio classes. The courses
offered through University of Hawaii at Manoa that address ceramic glazing are listed below
within two categories. Courses that focus on the specifics of glazing are listed in the expressly
relevant division. Courses that cover some aspect of ceramic glazing but do not specifically
focus on the techniques of ceramic glazing are in the relevant division.
Expressly Relevant:
Art 342 Technical Ceramics
Relevant:
Art 244 Wheel Throwing
Art 343 Ceramics-Sculptures
Art 344 Ceramics-Vessels
Art 345 Low Temperature Ceramics
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Art 441 Advanced Ceramics
Art 641 ceramics I
Art 642 ceramics II
Art 643 Ceramics III
3. UH Manoa Bookstore Sources
Textbooks:
None
Trade Books:
Birks, Tony. The Complete Potter’s Companion. New York: Little Brown and Company,
1998.
Hutchinson, Yvonne. Ceramic Technology for Potters and Sculptors. Philadelphia: University
of Pennsylvania Press, 1996.
Peterson, Susan. Smashing Glazes: 53 Artists Share Insights. Madison, Wisconsin: Guild
Publishing, 2001.
Simpson, Penny, Lucy Kitto, and Kanji Sodeoka. The Japanese Pottery Handbook. Tokyo:
Kodansha International, 1979.
Tichane, Robert. Copper Red Glazes: a Guide to Producing These Elusive Glazes. Iola,
Wisconsin: Krause Publications, 1998.
4. Library of Congress Subject Headings and Classification Numbers
Glazes
BT
Glazing (Ceramics)
Ceramics
BT
Color in the ceramic industries
Pottery
Glazing (Ceramics)
NT
Pottery
NT
Ceramics
Crystalline glazes
Engobes
Luster-ware
--Formulae
10
Glazes
--Tables
NK
3700-4695
Ceramics, Pottery and Porcelain
TP
785-842
Clay Industries and Ceramics
TT
697-926
Needlework and Decorative Crafts
Z
7179
Subject Bibliography: Pottery and Ceramics
5. Information Seeking Patterns in the Field
Stengel, Gil. “The Truth About Salt,” Ceramics Monthly, 46, no.7 (1998): 106-108.
Stengel challenges the common belief that salt glazing produces hazardous hydrochloric acid or
chlorine gas. Research results presented by Wil Shynkaruk at a conference in Las Vegas
supported this belief in reporting that only 2% of NaCl introduced in the kiln combines with the
clay. Similar results were presented in an article by Peter Meanley in Ceramic Review. Stengel
conducted research to find evidence to support his position, searching the American Ceramic
Society’s library of ceramic technical material but found no information. Stengel describes
browsing through old issues of The Brick and Clay Record to discover that the clay industry
ceased use of salt glazing in the 1950s. The author laments the lack of information available on
the topic and proposes studies be conducted to establish factual data regarding the environmental
effects of salt glazing.
6. Summary CLAYART Listserv
The majority of the discussion on the CLAYART Listserv relates to technical skills. Firing
techniques and glazing techniques were most widely discussed including types of kilns, fuel used
for wood firing, glaze recipes, achieving specific glaze characteristics, and substitution of glaze
materials. Political postings were also fairly common. A series of messages were posted
responding to Paul Soldner’s use of sexually suggestive material in advertisements at the
National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts Conference. This issued was vehemently
debated over a period of several days. Less often discussed topics were books, articles, or web
sites. Occasionally someone posted a book which they were trying to locate that was out of
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print. In one instance there was a brief discussion concerning the ethics of using glaze recipes
published in books. One person thought that other people’s use of these recipes was generally
the purpose of publishing recipes in books, but that this was not always the case. She then
mentioned two potters who were working on a book and did not want the recipes to be discussed
prior to the release of the book. There was a fair amount of jokes posted on this list. One person
offered that he missed Benny Hill. Another shared a humorous outlook that it is important to
lose ceramic tools to allow future archaeologists to study our culture. The political issue
mentioned above finally digressed into a discussion of the 60’s pin that read, “under this shirt
I’m naked”. However I do not feel that the issue was ever resolved or that the forum was even
open to hearing more than the most widely shared opinions.
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