Monday, June 17, 2024

An infiltrator came to melt the pot down! Clay pieces ruined. Kiln potter meltdown.

 Reflections on Pottery Ceramics



Pottery has taught me many lessons, particularly about understanding my strengths and limitations. One crucial aspect is recognizing the diverse temperature ranges of clay—low-fire clay cannot endure high temperatures intended for high-fire clay.

The difference between this types of clay is subtle; visually, they may appear indistinguishable at first glance. Proper marking and labeling are essential to differentiate between low-fire and high-fire clay.

In shared studios, like public pottery spaces, clay from different sources may inadvertently mix. This blending can lead to unforeseen consequences.


Consider this example: a low-fire piece mistakenly entered a high-fire kiln. The outcome? It ruined not only my five pieces but also an adjacent pillar, an additional piece belonging to another studio member, and a Canadian $500 plus  custom-made shelf.

Working with pottery entails embracing uncertainty; each stage carries its risks, and completing a piece feels like receiving a precious gift.

What's the moral of this tale? Let's discuss and share insights together.







#ceramicstudiomistakes

#kilnmeltdown

#potterylife

#Artistlife#Inesmillerart

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