Like clay, all glaze materials come from the earth. Traditionally,
stones, plants, and other natural materials provided the elements for
ceramic surface decoration. In an age of synthetic and mass-produced
glazes, handmade glazes from locally sourced ingredients allow artists
to produce unique pieces that reflect their surrounding landscapes. In
Natural Glazes, Miranda Forrest guides readers through the process of
experimentation and discovery to make amazing hues from organic
materials.
Whether a glaze is mixed from scratch or local items are added to a
commercial glaze, this concise book teaches the essential steps. A
variety of glaze materials is available in any location, and Forrest
shows artists how to recognize and gather appropriate ingredients and
prepare them for blending. She explains how to work with vegetation and
organic materials such as grass, wood, and seashells, giving
step-by-step directions for mixing glazes and testing sample blends for
optimal results. Natural Glazes covers application and firing
techniques such as raku and offers health and environmental safety
information.
Natural Glazes contains full-color photographs of completed works,
charts and tables providing firing times and other data, and insightful
essays from other ceramic artists specializing in natural glaze work.
Using found materials in glazes is a creative way to add a local touch
to ceramics. With Natural Glazes, inspiration may be as close as your
own backyard.
