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An owners manual for your studio Ceramic artists who decide to work in home studios praise the convenience and economical benefits of the electric kiln. Now in its third edition, Electric Kiln Ceramics helps potters and artists create work exclusively intended for firing in the electric kiln. This valuable resource is an exhaustive review of techniques, clays, and glazes designed to benefit the ceramic artists at any skill level. A renowned ceramist and respected author, Richard Zakin provides information on kiln construction, routine maintenance, loading and firing, the influence of firing temperatures and the application of oxidation surfaces. State-of-the-art health and safety concerns are also addressed, including the kiln atmosphere and the strengths and weaknesses of the oxidation atmosphere. Recipes for commercial and homemade clays and glazes guarantee successful results. |
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Softcover | 304 pages | Order code CA97 | ISBN 978-0-87349-604-9
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Originally published at $44.95, now $29.95 FREE SHIPPING when you order online (US orders only) |
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The magic of electric firing It’s easy to underrate electric kilns. They’re not difficult to fire and they’re comparatively inexpensive. Their most obvious virtues are safety, reliability, simplicity and ease of use. This simplicity doesn’t make them easy to work with, however. They do not automatically make your work more beautiful or powerful or magical. They don’t add much value to your work-they let you add value to your work. Kilns of this sort are useful and unassuming—they get out of the way and let you go about the business of making objects of a special character. Electric kilns allow you to make all manner of work. They are, more than anything else, tools that enable. This is their magic. |
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Choosing the right materials Zakin’s knowledge of clay is encyclopedic and he describes everything you need to know about working in clay with an electric kiln. After discussing electric kilns in general, he describes clays and clay bodies in great detail including what types are available and how to choose an appropriate body for what you want to do. |
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| “The first or second piece of equipment a potter purchases is often an electric kiln. A gas kiln may be out of range or impractical for many just starting out in the craft, but anyone can install a small electric kiln in the home. This book will explain how to use the kiln, offers suggestions on clays to use and includes glaze recipes specifically designed to function best in the electric kiln. Zakin also gives you interesting and inspirational glimpses into the working style of many contemporary ceramists working in oxidation. This book does not go in depth into how an electric kiln works or how to build or repair one, but focuses on how to get the most out of your kiln. Zakin does discuss choosing a kiln and taking care of it, and includes suggested firing schedules. He discusses the use of the Kiln-Sitter® and timer mechanisms, as well as programmable firing devices, information that will help in choosing a kiln and diffuse some of the trepidation a first-time kiln buyer will naturally feel.” — Sumi von Dassow |
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Originally published at $44.95, now $29.95 FREE SHIPPING when you order online (US orders only) |
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Creating surfaces In a chapter on ceramic surface, Zakin states that ceramists who work in the electric kiln are often particularly interested in surface creation strategies because they can be so important in work for this kiln. In the neutral atmosphere of the electric kiln, surfaces are not created or enhanced by the magic of the fire. The ceramist must create them. Thus the ceramist who fires in the electric kiln is encouraged to invent ways of creating exciting surfaces. This chapter covers unadorned surfaces, stained surfaces, terra sigillatas, slips and engobes, and slip glazes. |
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Glazes from A to Z Next come glazes and here Zakin discusses glaze surfaces, glaze color, commercially prepared stains, glaze types, low-, mid- and high-fire glazes, unstable glazes, evaluating glazes and testing. Beginners in ceramics may feel somewhat intimidated by the glaze making process. It’s best to start with recipes made by ceramists with some experience in the field. To make a glaze, you must find recipes, purchase the required materials in dry form, weigh them and mix them. Zakin leads you through the entire process, but also provides guidance on buying and using commercially-available products. |
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“It is in this complex environment that I hope this book will take its place as an authoritative source of information on the ways the electric kiln can be used. It is my hope that it will encourage you to experiment with the technology and with your imagery. I hope it will result in exciting pieces that speak of your curiosity and commitment to our wonderful material and to the many ways of using it.” |
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List price $44.95 Now $29.95 FREE SHIPPING when you order online (US orders only) |
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