failures, pottery

Failures #2

Porcelain is a quite expensive material. Therefore, I took an attempt to find out a kind of replacement. To goal was to discover something which is pure white and capable for high temperature firing. The choice was for Witgert 011 Mont Blanc. I can even see on some portals, that they name it – a porcelain. The pure white color and 1300°C max firing temperature were very promising. Price was significantly lower than the same volume of regular porcelain. I must admit that I already enjoed a lot Witgert 116sf Anthrazit for high temperatures, especially with ash-based glazes.

50dkg mugs (011 with traces of other material)

And that is all about positives. It was a great unpleasant surprise. First of all it requires solid preparations. Clay dries very quickly and gets stiff. Even if taken out of the box, the outer parts were to very different from inner parts. Once mixed I could start work. But It never happened to me with other material, not at that level.

Throwing itself is ok. But it does not provide solid support for larger pieces. So whether it collapses or requires thicker walls. Very different from porcelain. You may think that trimming could rescue such semi-output.

Then, I realized that it loses its plasticity very quickly when drying. Up to that level that trimming becomes almost impossible. Instead of cutting parts it tears them out. Then you must be very quick with applying handles or a spout. Otherwise the difference in moisture between the body and the attachment becomes a stopper.

I managed to make some mugs and flower pot. But probably will not get back to this material.

2kg flower pot
pottery, shaving

Japan makes the difference

Europeans often get fascinated by Japanese culture, tradition and spiritual approach to almost everything. My fascinations went by after getting deeper and deeper in one of the martial arts discipline, knowing the people and the underlining believes.

Now, it comes back in context of craftship – in ceramics and smith works. Ferrytales about Anagama firing and sword’s making are longs stories each, worth separate post if not portals.

For the moment take a look a the following two specific razors. Both designed Ryūichi Saitō. Read more on him and the 3 “smiling” models designed by him. At first glamps, those who are in the subject of traditional wet shaving, can see how deep is the “smile”. It may make sense. For experimentation with it, please wait a bit until they are renovated. I plan to record a sessions of honing it and using them.

Here is what came to me recently from Japan. No 1 and No 3, only 2 is missiong to the collection. Not bad conditions, nevertheless they deserve some refreshment if not renovation.

And here is an attempt to match other elements of the shaving gear set to the No 3. The bell and the brush handle made with porcelain mixed in the body with Ochra terracolor pigment, fired at 1250°C.

 

photography, pottery, shaving

Dog’s life

A month ago, when there still was the beautiful sunny autumn, I wanted to take some photos of the latest sets. Outdoor session with natural light, golden leaves and bit of time is not something that often comes easy altogether. For photography, I prefer and enjoy real scenery over any studio arrangements. But that may bring some surprise.

Here, my dog got interested in all these strange preparations and trials. And decided to research why these things bring so much of my attention. I managed to make a picture but could not stay still – what is visible on the picture. Just after that, she escaped with the brush experiencing even more interests on her..

Fortunately, nothing bad happened to any piece. A bit later I could finish my job properly.

The below set is made of grey clay from Witgert 116SF Anthrazit, glaze WT-11510 or 11403 (gołębie). Razor is a regular Titan remade (stabilizers taken out) and scales changed to kirinite dessert camo.

 

charity, pottery

Leading up to Christmas

Before saying Marry Christmas, we are still in the advent period. It is high time we emptied pockets and got rid of money for charity.

Some of the recent pieces have been given out for charity auctions on various shaving portals (see the links at the bottom). Here is the next guy to be posted for charity. Porcelain white-blue agateware with single trace of red.

All funds go directly to the charity organization Mozesz (which is formally recognized under Polish legal regulations and registered accordingly).


photography, pottery

Vintage oiler – lublicator

I enjoy old rusted machinery and mechanical parts. Now, all that stuff disappears from our houses and countryside. I remember well these things in daily use. Mainly from my childhood, the summer holidays with grandparents.

They are nice for photography, especially to stress out the texture. Here is just a sample.

The other thing is to make something like that from clay. The first attempt was not bad, but the spout was not fully functional. No glaze outside, only white glaze internal to keep it fully waterproof. Brown earthware clay C366 @1150°C.

Next attempt was even nicer. Red clay CJ4SF with Rustica Gold glaze @1230°C. Unfortunately, this time, it cracked at the bottom, so the bottom soaks.

Hence, it is not going to be the end. Next attempt is ahead.

pottery, shaving

A bit of tradition

This time, after showing a series of agateware and mirikomi, time to get back to tradition.

Here is …. what exactly it is? It was intended as a shaving bell, but unfortunately the geometry changed in firing. The upper rim does not fit the scuttle, at least not the end. So, I consider them as two separate pieces. Or, soon will develop two other parts with the same design to cross-match them each other. Will see..

This is clay (C930) fired at 1250°C with Rustica Gold glaze. It gives the old look with traces of “cooper”. Looks like old metal bowl. But it is not. Matt finish.

pottery, shaving

Running bell

This time the bell is running, precisely the glaze runs down. This is because the thickness of the glaze (especially on the rim) and firing it upside down. I need to rethink how to place it differently in the kiln. C930@1250C with Light Blue.

pottery

BigMug

Is it a failure or not? I’m not sure. Evidently, it is specific. Huge and irregular in shape.

That was my first attempt to finish the surface with sodium silicate. This technique causes unpredictable deep breaks. That was the intended beauty.

Then, there was bit too much glaze. Finally it was fired too long, thanks to electric supply company (outage and need to refire).

C930 with WT green

pottery

Old boy

In fact, this pot was done some year ago. It is not that old as it looks like. Indeed, I was inspired by some archeological artefact and wanted to make the same old look. I get back to it….. because I just use it.

glina: creaton376, szkliwo: TC weiss , waga mokra: 140dkg

C376 with TC Weiss Matt glaze