Confessions of a Glaze Hoarder



the back field after first cutting



The new kiln, Lucille, is leading me down an entirely new path of glaze development. I actually don't mind creating glaze tests and experimenting with glaze bases and colorants, it's fun. My challenge is that I will be firing this big old gal only 4-6 times a year.










With the electric kiln I could turn around a load of pots fairly quickly. My gas kiln has 24 cubic feet to fill, while the Skutt a mere 9.9 cu. ft.

My usual routine was:  first do a 200g. test, put it on a test tile. In the next firing, if I wanted to see something further, put it on a small bowl or mug in the next firing to see how it worked on a true scale. If all went well, then make up a large bucket and go forward. Over the years I did a lot of experimenting this way.  I have 22 glazes for my electric kiln.  A few of them will transition to the reduction- just 5.



 I guess you could say I like to keep my options open and that means, a lot of choice regarding glaze.


After attending a workshop with Val Cushing this year (love, love, love his work), I lust after his glazes. They are dreamy to touch, like buttah~ perfect for functional ware.

The recent Britt/Bailey workshop helped confirm my love of the shinos. Hollis, of Hatchville Pottery  is another big inspiration in that department, as is Michael Coffee.



So, hanging out for our first summer campfire I have my Britt, Cone 10 glaze book and Val Cushing's handbook (he sold at the workshop) out to make my picks.

Here is the plan:  Rust Fat Temmoku, Tom Buck Celedon, Jeff's Red, Perfect Gray (already tested- it's stunning!), John's Red, Gustin Shino( already tested), Orange Peel Shino (already tested), Val Cushing Copper Blue-Green, Val Cushing Satin Matt with Iron & Rutile and Val Cushing Rich Matt Blue.

 10 glazes!!! What?? too many, need to scale back....but which ones? I love them all!



Asticou looking out for swallows, I look out too- pondering....



I will make them all.