Diana Ferreira Posted November 15, 2011 Report 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 :-)
Marko Posted November 15, 2011 Report 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
buckeye Posted November 16, 2011 Report Posted November 16, 2011 that is awesome! I am so happy for you! Would love to see it after it has been fired!
Pres Posted November 16, 2011 Report 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.
Diana Ferreira Posted November 26, 2011 Author Report Posted November 26, 2011 Lol Pres, I have a few bags of moldy bags of clay! I should try it out :-)
Diana Ferreira Posted November 26, 2011 Author Report Posted November 26, 2011 Thank you Marko. I appreciate your comments!
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