Lava Glaze -
I have been testing a number of different lava glaze recipes which have given mixed results. I am finding that lava glazes are very temperamental (Picture 1 & 2). Its crucial that the firing temperatures are accurate, the thickness of the application is consistent (Picture 3), the use of oxides kills the bubble effect so the application of oxides needs to be done in a separate firing (Picture 4) and the texture of the clay body (Picture 5) all impact on the final result.
I have found Akiko Hirai's lava glaze recipe to be the most consistent on my work, generating successful results as shown in Picture 6.
Top Row (l-r) Picture 1, 2, 3. Bottom Row (l-r) Picture 4, 5, 6
Slate Glaze -
I have sourced a number of different slate based material from around the Furness Peninsular but little difference in the final firing result. The main difference has been with how each was processed and how much effort was needed (Pictures 1, 2, 3). I joined an online session with Mathew Blakely who explained how you need to low fire your raw materials first before processing them into a fine powder. Firing at 1260C oxidation gave a pale brown glaze, not very inspiring, however the addition of oxides has not improved the results (Pictures 4, 5, 6). I feel that I want to stay true to the raw material and try not to enhance it with the addition of colourants.
Top Row (l-r) Picture 1, 2, 3. Bottom Row (l-r) Picture 4, 5, 6
Having done some further research into how Mathew Blakely achieves his results I decided to increase the temperature by 20C degrees. The difference has been outstanding. I am so pleased with the results. I appreciate the fluidity of the glaze and how it breaks over the edges. The colour is a mottled blue which has depth to it and provides lots of interest.
Top row - slate glaze recipe fired to 1260 oxidation.
Bottom row - slate glaze recipe fired to 1280 oxidation.
Ash Glaze -
The pictures below show the results of my attempts at an ash glaze. Normally used in a reduction firing I decided to see if I could generate similar results in oxidation. To fully benefit from this type of glaze it requires firing at high temperatures. I went up to 1280C but the results were disappointing so have decided to not pursue this line of enquiry any further at this stage.
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