LeeU

My worst screw up was generating an emotional wound. I know how to load a kiln properly. The mistake I made was in part due to cognitive deficts (memory/acting on flawed recall) , but also  due to arrogence (know-it-all ism/being over confident). My sister made some pieces in a community class. She was very pleased with her stuff and her pieces were really lovely. She actually hauled the glazed greenware up to NH from VA on her vacation.  One piece was a beautiful tray. My half shelves where I put the tray were not aligned at the same level--one was about an inch higher. I placed the tray with one end of it extending over the gap. My sister asked me if it would be OK that way. I assured her it was fine. She asked several times--I wish she had said she just plain didn't want me to do it. Each time I said it would be fine. I fired it like that and of course it warped and was useless. I have no idea what I was thinking or why I didn't reload the kiln to avoid the situation. I absolutely know/knew better.  The worst of it is we have never bounced back or healed from that, because the loss, the disappointment, was just one more in previous and subsequent other problems afflicting our relationship-still unresolved. Apology if TMI.  And just FYI, I'm OK-I've perfected the art of self-forgiveness when such is essential for my own well-being. 

Yes, IMO this does work for other gypsum and plaster surfaces. stucco, interior plaster walls, cement …… kill the mold, power wash clean when possible, dry thoroughly and seal as practical to reduce the absorption. Painting interior plaster surfaces has always been the norm to add significant longevity to them. I think it’s a good practical idea.  For this: making sure all mold is killed, non destructive cleaning, thorough drying, then painting to preserve the fine detail would be some thoughts that strike me. As always testing thoroughly prior is key to me.

@Pres  You may get a kick out of this. By focussing on my non-ceramic plans for the summer (thin-to-none) I was poked and prodded by my Self to confront what the heck I am doing/not doing in Clay Life. It dawned on me that by freeing up some space and gaining extra spendoolies I'll end having a studio that's more conduceive to where my head's at. So I did some projections and serious thinking and (overdue) ordered some new fresh glazes and some new fresh clay. I'll still intersperse day trips to the river with my stayclaycation. 

OK---now I am really curious!! Does anyone have any actual experience or a well-founded opinion on using a spray enamel (or brushed on) for this type of issue? Not necessarily for the OP's situation, but just regarding enamel over plaster that has discoloration which may-- or may not-- be mold.

@Pres  You may get a kick out of this. By focussing on my non-ceramic plans for the summer (thin-to-none) I was poked and prodded by my Self to confront what the heck I am doing/not doing in Clay Life. It dawned on me that by freeing up some space and gaining extra spendoolies I'll end having a studio that's more conduceive to where my head's at. So I did some projections and serious thinking and (overdue) ordered some new fresh glazes and some new fresh clay. I'll still intersperse day trips to the river with my stayclaycation. 

@Pres  You may get a kick out of this. By focussing on my non-ceramic plans for the summer (thin-to-none) I was poked and prodded by my Self to confront what the heck I am doing/not doing in Clay Life. It dawned on me that by freeing up some space and gaining extra spendoolies I'll end having a studio that's more conduceive to where my head's at. So I did some projections and serious thinking and (overdue) ordered some new fresh glazes and some new fresh clay. I'll still intersperse day trips to the river with my stayclaycation. 

May I suggest that you make a few more birds, a little practice/experimentation goes a long way.
Then maybe try for a hollow bird
How to make a hollow bird form using thumb pots
... Make a small through hole with a skewer to let any steam generated during firing escape.
You can make some bowl-ish items by draping thin class clay slabs over a balloon.
e.g. clay over a balloon https://www.pinterest.co.uk/jazzdd76/clay-over-a-balloon/
... which also mentions a few projects, such as

More balloon ideas at Pottery Ballon Technique https://www.pinterest.ca/black3200/pottery-ballon-technique/

I haven't taken a vacation since before the pandemic and I'm not up for flying anywhere. What I do is travel by myself or w/a friend, on day trips where there's not tons of people. I may go to the ocean along NH or ME, for a couple of days, off season.
This summer, my primary plan is to use the time to accomplish two things.  One, I will sell an entire room-full of good quality "yard sale" type items. That is actually a lot of work, as it all goes online-not allowed to hold sales where I live.  Two, I will streamline my studio .  There's a good bit of materials, tools, supplies, equipment, the wheel, etc. that I will sell (will just do handbuilding).  I am  freeing up space so I can get back to painting/other media--so that counts as non-ceramics LOL. 

If you would like a bit more of a smooth finish, around the eyes, where there are some little clay burrs making rough spots, just take a little piece of sandpaper, or even a good scrubby, and give it a wipe-those burrs once fired can feel quite sharp to little fingers. 

So sorry for your loss-that has to be excruciating. Others here  with more knowledge will probably weigh in shortly. What I will say for now: do nothing until you get the info that seems best. You don't know what type of casting material was used & the powder/water mix per se tells you nothing. I'd call the facility ask them to give you the correct namee of the "plaster" that was used. If cleaning methods that may be suggested aren't what you decide to do, perhaps consider a simple application of a high quality spray enamel in a light color, perhaps like a pearl finish-just a thought.  

So sorry for your loss-that has to be excruciating. Others here  with more knowledge will probably weigh in shortly. What I will say for now: do nothing until you get the info that seems best. You don't know what type of casting material was used & the powder/water mix per se tells you nothing. I'd call the facility ask them to give you the correct namee of the "plaster" that was used. If cleaning methods that may be suggested aren't what you decide to do, perhaps consider a simple application of a high quality spray enamel in a light color, perhaps like a pearl finish-just a thought.  

I got turned on to this site by ceramicist John Baymore, a former member known to many.  He invited me to particpate in some firings of the large anagama kiln built by him & his students (New Hampshire Institute of Art). I knew about ICAN/CAD but hadn't checked out the Forum site. I had my BFA in ceramics but had taken a 30 year career detour and was trying to get back into it in my retirement years. He suggested the Forum as a reliable resource and supportive community, which of course it has proven to be. And I will add, even tho I am less active, I still feel "part of" and this group process helps sustain me even as I cut back/slow down on activity. 

If you would like a bit more of a smooth finish, around the eyes, where there are some little clay burrs making rough spots, just take a little piece of sandpaper, or even a good scrubby, and give it a wipe-those burrs once fired can feel quite sharp to little fingers. 

I would use a stiff glaze rather than a fluid one that thins out on edges. Like Bill said though, glazes are brittle so shearing breaks could very well be a factor.
I know it isn't what you asked about but I have been using Gorilla Max Strength Construction Adhesive in Clear for attaching  kenzan in Ikebana. It's 100% waterproof and really really strong! This stuff does not move when set, really good stuff. Perhaps that is another option to the epoxy? I used to use epoxy but find it can shear.
 

Zinnser Bulls Eye 123 white primer did indeed work and seems to adhere well to gloss glaze. More of a satin rather than matte finish, but okay. Can always add a flat paint on top, or spray a clear matte.  Since it's sculpture, rather that utilitarian, i don't expect much wear and tear.

I got turned on to this site by ceramicist John Baymore, a former member known to many.  He invited me to particpate in some firings of the large anagama kiln built by him & his students (New Hampshire Institute of Art). I knew about ICAN/CAD but hadn't checked out the Forum site. I had my BFA in ceramics but had taken a 30 year career detour and was trying to get back into it in my retirement years. He suggested the Forum as a reliable resource and supportive community, which of course it has proven to be. And I will add, even tho I am less active, I still feel "part of" and this group process helps sustain me even as I cut back/slow down on activity. 

I got turned on to this site by ceramicist John Baymore, a former member known to many.  He invited me to particpate in some firings of the large anagama kiln built by him & his students (New Hampshire Institute of Art). I knew about ICAN/CAD but hadn't checked out the Forum site. I had my BFA in ceramics but had taken a 30 year career detour and was trying to get back into it in my retirement years. He suggested the Forum as a reliable resource and supportive community, which of course it has proven to be. And I will add, even tho I am less active, I still feel "part of" and this group process helps sustain me even as I cut back/slow down on activity. 

I haven't taken a vacation since before the pandemic and I'm not up for flying anywhere. What I do is travel by myself or w/a friend, on day trips where there's not tons of people. I may go to the ocean along NH or ME, for a couple of days, off season.
This summer, my primary plan is to use the time to accomplish two things.  One, I will sell an entire room-full of good quality "yard sale" type items. That is actually a lot of work, as it all goes online-not allowed to hold sales where I live.  Two, I will streamline my studio .  There's a good bit of materials, tools, supplies, equipment, the wheel, etc. that I will sell (will just do handbuilding).  I am  freeing up space so I can get back to painting/other media--so that counts as non-ceramics LOL. 

I haven't taken a vacation since before the pandemic and I'm not up for flying anywhere. What I do is travel by myself or w/a friend, on day trips where there's not tons of people. I may go to the ocean along NH or ME, for a couple of days, off season.
This summer, my primary plan is to use the time to accomplish two things.  One, I will sell an entire room-full of good quality "yard sale" type items. That is actually a lot of work, as it all goes online-not allowed to hold sales where I live.  Two, I will streamline my studio .  There's a good bit of materials, tools, supplies, equipment, the wheel, etc. that I will sell (will just do handbuilding).  I am  freeing up space so I can get back to painting/other media--so that counts as non-ceramics LOL. 

Envy envy!  (I credit Voulkos for validating my own notion that there's a place for holes/rips etc. in my clay forms ) And Hamada!!! what a wonderful story/experience you had!

Post pictures and see if anyone can help. If you can, show the bottoms and any marks that might identify a maker. People often sign or stamp their work. Worth a shot.
Fun story, I was having dinner at a colleague’s house. He’s the science teacher, I’m the art teacher. In Anchorage, Alaska. He says, “You’re into ceramics, you might recognize these bowls,” as he loads one up with salad. “They’re made by someone named Shoji Hamada.”
So, he grew up in both England and Japan and his parents were great friends with Bernard Leach and Hamada. He just kept pulling out Hamada pots that his mom had given him while I was picking my jaw up off the floor. The kicker was when he pointed to a pot on his fireplace mantle and said, “That one’s a Peter Voulkos.” Sure as hell, a signed Voulkos, an early one, when still made pots that looked like pots.
”We use the pots because mom said that’s what he would have wanted. She loved pottery”
You just never know. 

Thanks for responses. After some research, it looks like I should be able to get away with Zinsser Bulls Eye 123 white primer. Will check back in if it works!

I vote for paper as well. Because it's a simple shape, you should be able to get the edge sealed well and have minimal bleeding.
The other option is to apply the underglaze first, then apply the stencil and wipe away the underglaze with a sponge. This method works well if you have large areas of underglaze or complex patterns where it's impossible to seal all the edges, and brushing evenly is difficult. It requires a smooth clay body, though. I used the wipe method for this piece, using a stencil designed and cut with my Cricut:

Still thinking about Alice's comment. I broke HMS. No 12 What Does She Sea before firing. Was gonna trash it, but gave myself a talking to regarding the balance point between not keeping work w/real flaws/problems vs the metaphor of not dismissing "someone" becasue they are damaged. So, since the series theme is DV trauma, surviving, & healing, I decided to forge ahead. I'll put a pic in Gallery, but here is a detail of the repair, i.e. covering up the scar.  I used brighter colors & glitter dust to support a positive vibe for what she "seas".  Here is a link to the text about each mask (on my Blog) if of interest.  https://www.leeuceramics.com/single-post/hidden-mask-series-hms

Still thinking about Alice's comment. I broke HMS. No 12 What Does She Sea before firing. Was gonna trash it, but gave myself a talking to regarding the balance point between not keeping work w/real flaws/problems vs the metaphor of not dismissing "someone" becasue they are damaged. So, since the series theme is DV trauma, surviving, & healing, I decided to forge ahead. I'll put a pic in Gallery, but here is a detail of the repair, i.e. covering up the scar.  I used brighter colors & glitter dust to support a positive vibe for what she "seas".  Here is a link to the text about each mask (on my Blog) if of interest.  https://www.leeuceramics.com/single-post/hidden-mask-series-hms