Diana Ferreira Posted November 15, 2011 Report Share Posted November 15, 2011 About 2 1/2 years ago I started to play around with a beautiful black clay that a small local supplier makes. I got into paper clay, and used the 'slip' I made to slipcast the paperclay (yes, you can :-) Shortly after that I converted his clay into a normal slip. But it took time to mix it all up, and every now and then I would accidentally over-flocculate the mix. So, finally about 7 months ago he offered it to me in a slip body. The colour is a true black, but it had serious issues - it WANTS to be a thick sludge, and I had serious air bubble issues. I always had to add small amounts of water to the bucket (which caused my molds to become water-logged very fast, and I found that I still had to add a flocculant to the mix. He was aware of my issues, but this clay is not really mainstream (especially not the slip variant) he finally were able to mix up a batch that is a 100% to my liking. I refused to have a slip that is low fire, like that his opposition sells, as I make functional ware. Now if flows like my normal white stoneware/porcelain slip, but it will be pitch black after 2 firings! I love my supplier. I work closely with him, give him feedback and in return I get a bucket for free every now and then :-) I also have no issues to give advice to his other clients about his clays and other supplies. Anyway, today I was able to cast some huge plates 3 times AND I could have pushed it to 4 times, but had to clean my work space to make some urgent porcelain castings that needs to be delivered later this week. Normally I could only cast 2 times a day and sit with seriously waterlogged plaster molds that had to go into the dryer every night. (I had to share this with peeps that understand the frustrations of clay :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marko Posted November 15, 2011 Report Share Posted November 15, 2011 Kudo's to your supplier; it's so nice to have someone go the extra mile in getting our needs met. And Kudo's to you for never throwing the towel in. Never say never. As I like to say, "if there's a will there's a way and if there's a way, I will. BTW, I love your art. It makes me realize I have a lot to learn. Thanks for sharing. Marko Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckeye Posted November 16, 2011 Report Share Posted November 16, 2011 that is awesome! I am so happy for you! Would love to see it after it has been fired! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted November 16, 2011 Report Share Posted November 16, 2011 About 2 1/2 years ago I started to play around with a beautiful black clay that a small local supplier makes. I got into paper clay, and used the 'slip' I made to slipcast the paperclay (yes, you can :-) Shortly after that I converted his clay into a normal slip. But it took time to mix it all up, and every now and then I would accidentally over-flocculate the mix. So, finally about 7 months ago he offered it to me in a slip body. The colour is a true black, but it had serious issues - it WANTS to be a thick sludge, and I had serious air bubble issues. I always had to add small amounts of water to the bucket (which caused my molds to become water-logged very fast, and I found that I still had to add a flocculant to the mix. He was aware of my issues, but this clay is not really mainstream (especially not the slip variant) he finally were able to mix up a batch that is a 100% to my liking. I refused to have a slip that is low fire, like that his opposition sells, as I make functional ware. Now if flows like my normal white stoneware/porcelain slip, but it will be pitch black after 2 firings! I love my supplier. I work closely with him, give him feedback and in return I get a bucket for free every now and then :-) I also have no issues to give advice to his other clients about his clays and other supplies. Anyway, today I was able to cast some huge plates 3 times AND I could have pushed it to 4 times, but had to clean my work space to make some urgent porcelain castings that needs to be delivered later this week. Normally I could only cast 2 times a day and sit with seriously waterlogged plaster molds that had to go into the dryer every night. (I had to share this with peeps that understand the frustrations of clay :-) One year I ordered a new clay with my usual order. This clay was so short that throwing large pots was nearly impossible with everything I tried. In the end I didn't work with it much in the Summer, and as I store outside, it froze in the winter. Spring came, warmer weather and that Summer I was nearly out of the regular clay so I started using it. Low and behold it was great! I guess it must have been just manufactured when I go it, but after the freezing and the mold growing summer temps it was fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diana Ferreira Posted November 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2011 Lol Pres, I have a few bags of moldy bags of clay! I should try it out :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diana Ferreira Posted November 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2011 Thank you Marko. I appreciate your comments! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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