Glazes from a Potter's Perspective

Book excerpt: Glazes from a Potter's Perspective: A Simple, Kitchen-Method Approach to Understanding Glaze Development¿ is a book that demystifies and explains glazes from a potter's perspective. The book is filled with valuable information from the vast glazing experimentation and experience of master potter, Steve Loucks. His testing methods and approach differ from the scientific approach for making glazes where ceramic engineers think in terms of what and how many molecules of certain chemicals make up the glaze within their ratios and limits to Steve¿s approach that is from a potter's perspective. He goes right to the tests using the actual ingredients that are available from ceramic supply centers to make glazes. His simple, kitchen-method approach is easy to understand without the complicated use of mathematical, ceramic engineering calculations, or the need for software programs. It goes right to the glaze tests to see how much and to what extent an influencing ingredient has on a glaze, the actual instead of predicted results. His testing methods and processes, which are outlined and illustrated throughout the book, are easy to follow yielding effective, useful results while using the glaze materials in a resourceful manner to be environmentally responsible. The book begins by identifying the numerous characteristics that differentiate and distinguish the various glazes that he has worked with throughout his ceramics career to provide a common vocabulary for ceramic artists. Glazes are explained first in theory and then in reality. Further discussion outlines the component parts that make up a glaze to gain an understanding on how to evaluate a glaze to adjust its melting temperature, flow, and surface qualities. Then, the testing procedures are outlined and illustrated to accomplish those tasks. Additional information includes the influencing factors affecting a glaze, glaze application methods, and firing processes. A supplemental chapter lists the glaze recipes used on the pieces illustrated in the book of his and the contributing editor, Lynnette Hesser's work, including the glazing processes used on each piece. Steve's goal is to help ceramic artists gain a better understanding of glazes for greater success with their glazing, glaze development, and artwork.