: Mossyrock - Viewing Profile

I generally work with low-fire clay (Highwater's Stans Red). I currently bisque-fire to cone 04, then glaze-fire (majolica mostly) to cone 05. However, some pieces are decorated with a wash of Velvet Underglazes with no glaze. Can I fire bisque fire to cone 05 instead of cone 04 and have some of the velvet washed bisqued pieces in the same firing? What about bisque firing to cone 05 and having some bisqued majolica-glazed pieces in the same firing?

I work in low fire to cone 6 oxidation and have a white slip recipe that works well for both. The problem is that within a few days, the slip settles to the bottom of the container into a clump (for lack of a better word) and it takes a lot of time and effort to put it back into a nice usable suspension. Is there anything I can add that will keep this from happening or is that just a characteristic of slip? Here's the recipe:

6 Tile 1500 g
OM4 Ball Clay 1000 g
Custer Feldspar 1250 g
Silica 1250 g
Zircopax 300 g

I mix the dry ingredients and keep in an airtight container. When I need to mix a batch of slip, I weigh out 1000 g of the dry mix, add 4 tsp. Sodium Silicate, then add water and sieve several times. It's great until I don't use it for several days. Thanks for any help.

Ronan Peterson Hands-on Workshop “Scratching the Surface”

Location: Art Alliance of Greensboro, 200 N. Davie St. #1, Greensboro, NC. Register online at www.artalliancegso.com or call 336-373-2725. Space is limited so register early.

Dates/Times:
Friday, June 29, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Opening Reception “By Example” *
Saturday, June 30, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Workshop & image presentation**
Sunday, July 1, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Workshop

Cost:
$125 for current Carolina Clay Guild members
$125 for currently enrolled Art Alliance students
$150 for all others

Workshop Description:
This hands-on workshop will focus on enlivening the surface of your ceramic vessels through slipping, sgraffito, inlay, slip trailing, terra sigillata, resist patterning, glaze layering, and utilizing atmospheric effects in electric kilns. Instruction will focus on working in cone 6 electric kiln firings, but techniques and information can be applied to all temperatures and types of kiln firings. The first part of this workshop will focus on making some simple vessel forms to try out different demonstrated surface embellishments. Functional and sculptural ceramicists alike will benefit from demonstrations and discussions intent on activating the ceramic surface. See more of Ronan’s work at www.ninetoespottery.blogspot.com/


* “By Example” presents the work of twenty younger NC ceramic artists who use color, texture and imagery in their work and examines the sources of the newer guard of NC clay makers. Guest curator Ronan Kyle Peterson has selected 20 artists who in turn have invited 20 mentors who have impacted their work and careers in a significant way. This exhibit will include both functional and sculptural ceramic works that will introduce viewers to the clay medium through new approaches to surface design, and innovative use of ancient techniques. Themes such as artistic borrowings from other media in contemporary craft and the importance of mentorship will also be explored. Located at the Green Hill Center for North Carolina Art, 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro, NC.

** Green Hill Center for North Carolina Art (lunch break)