Behind the Scenes Glazing...

Glazing can be a wonderful experience.  It can also be a total disaster!!!  Over the years, I have certainly experienced both.  Even the disasters are great because I learn from them.  The accumulation of knowledge in pottery making seems to never end.

Tips that I suggest to my students:
1. KEEP A NOTEBOOK !!!!
With over 50 glazes to choose from in the Studio, after a while they all look the same :(. Take notes. 

Make a brief sketch of your piece, make note of what clay body you use, then note which glaze you added first and which one(s) you added after.  

Glaze is all about a chemical reaction that takes place inside the kiln during the course of the firing.

2. Develop your own style.
Old sayings are definitely true.  If at first you don't succeed, try it AGAIN!  Keep trying until you are happy with your results.

3. Look out for the little details.
If you are using your fingers to dip, make sure to take the time to cover any fingerprint marks.  

If you want to achieve a clean application, I recommend either dipping, brushing, or ladling.  If you use your fingers, this will result in a muddled and uneven finish.  But that is "artist choice."

Here is a video on the behind the scenes process for glazing a rather large vase in the Studio.
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Hope you enjoy it!

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