Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
%,.
#
\\
NEW IDEAS
FOR UNDERGLAZ
DEC( RATING
~111111 I III II IIIIIIIIIII I II IrrllTIIIHIII
the 195,7
Great Lakes CeramicHobbyExhibition
Chicago, III.--May 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
j IIII I I' [ : .~nm
......... ~ ...................... ~-~"................. ++' .... This year the Great Centre'
+~ ~ ] . . . . . 4 " ' " " ......... ~ Ceramic League ;nvrted the
I+!~,~',: ~ Great Lakes ExhlblfTon to make
Chicago its sife for the 1957
!1 +o+ m++++++++++
i~ ed and the Great Central
Ceramle League will be the
i~ ocflng hast with the Michigan
Ceram;c Dealer's Associafion
as a i e ; H sponsor. The Conrad
SHOW HOURS
Sunday, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Monday through Wednesday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Thursday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. General
Admission 90c
NOTE: Over 2S well-known instructors will be on hand for demonstrations and "private" classes. Classes will be held
Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A nominal fee will be charged.
Gladys Workmon's "Fun for Everyone" Luncheon
Sunday, May 26, 12 noon to 2 p . m . Price $3.S0 Reservations necessary
EXHIBITION LIST
American Art Clay Co. Copper Cat. Inc. Helen EIlioft Ceramic Studio Rea Ceramic Studlo
Arts and Crafts Monthly Creek-turn Hazel Hurley Ceramics Sally Mann Ceramics
BelCeramlcs. Inc. Crete Ceramic Studio Illini Ceramics Sanfner Ceramics
Bergen Brush Supplies C.V.H. Laboratories Laurine Brock Studio Schoellkopf Molds
Boots Ceramics Duncan Ceramic Products Lorraine's Ceramics Sfarola Ceramics
Castle Ceramic Studio Edgewater Ceramics Lund's Sfudio Sfonebraok Studio
Ceramichrome Laboratories Engstrom's Mary Reed Pottery Sylvia China SfudTo
Mayco Colors Sfu-Arfs Studio
Ceramic Colors Inc. Evanston Ceramic Supply Marx Brush Mfg. Co. Tari-Tan Ceramics
Ceraml Corner Fran Langguth Studio Newell Studios Thriza's Ceramics
Ceramic Creations Jenkins Wholesale Co. Norris Studios Winona Hale Laces
Ceramics by MadeNne Joy Reid Ceramic Studio Paragon Industries. Inc. White Horse Mold Shop
Ceramics Monthly Jul'Ene Pemberton-Neal Ceramic Supplies Woodland Ceramics
Chicago Ceramics H & R Ceramlc Studio Popular Ceramics Willoughby Studio
Christine Ceramic Sfudlo Holiand Maid Shoe Re-Ward Ceramic Color Mfg. B.P. Woolsey Ceramic Suaplies
II
RE -WARD'S
BRUSH-ON GLAZES
He r Ye ! go medieval !
New Distributors:
Dora's Studio
228 21st Street
Bakersfield, Calif.
The White Studio
3011 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida
MAY, 1957
Visit our booth
Visit our booth
No. 48
No. 37
G r e a t Lakes
Eastern C e r a m i c
Ceramic H o b b y
H o b b y Show
Exhibition
May 4-9
May 26-30
I
NOTE
If you are interested in receiving our NEW
illustrated card showing our newest mold
Cigarette Lighter Units:
designs, which will be mailed to you period- Lighter & Cup for Mold H 712
ically, please send your name and address. ~L-1 Gold Plated Cigarette Lighter with Flanged Cup
#L-2 Chrome Plated Cigarette Lighter with Flanged Cup
Cup Measurements: Flange Dia. I-7/8", Depth 3~,,
Minimum Quantity: One Dozen: Wholesale only
Dozen Lots $1.40 ea. Gross Lots $1.20 ea.
Hinerary ......................................... 10
:iiii[oi{:i:iriiill
!:iri:il ...........
:::iii!i!iiil]:iiii:
compounded
i:ii~ii)iiiiiii:iii:i by HARROP
!]io:ii::i£:i:i
....i;iiii:[:]iiiii:i
~Gi~iiI]iililiii:ii for s m o o t h ,
Show Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:3 i:]iiI,IE~IIII:I:I:
i:]i!:i:i£?i:i!r::i: q u i c k applicat .....
:!i:iiii!iiiii[i::::
:i![i!iiiii~!{::i:
i:ii:iiii]{~!i{iiiI O v e r 80 m o d e r n , d e c o r a t i v e colors in t h e
iiiiii(:i:11:11:11
A Perennial Birdhouse by Henry Boliman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 :::
ii:i:ii:!;!!;!:i!:ii:!:i f u l l r a n g e of o p a q u e , transparent, s e m i -
i: mat, crackle a n d f a n c y art finishes.
Enameling Procedures by Kenneth F. Bates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 : : A l l t y p e s fire at c o n e 0 6 . . . f l o w w e l l . . .
p r o d u c e a b e a u t i f u l u n i f o r m finish.
M o i j a G r o t e l l Decorates a Po~ by Marion H. Bemis . . . . . . 1B
Efficient... i:i){.]
iiliiii
~{:ii:)i i:iiilii!ii
ii!iiiliililiii
ii~iiililiiiiii
catalog. ~: : {
Assistant Editor Shirley A b r a h a m s o n
iiiiiii!!iiii!iiiiiiiii~ili~:
Editorial A s s o c i a t e s Mary Elliott
l'homas Sellers 1 :i::ii!:iiii!ii:i :!iiil:II
:iiii:i]i!:iii!i!:iii!
A r t Director Robert L. C r e a g e r
ELECTRIKILN DIVISION
3470 E. 5th A v e . Dept. E C o l u m h , s l q. n h i o
A d v i s o r s and Special Contributors : Carlton A t h e r t o n ; F. Carlton Ball ;
Marc Bellaire ; Kathe Berl ; E d r i s E c k h a r d t ; J o h n K e n n y ; Z e n a
P~ea=e =e.d me ~a~r ~ o ~ : e t e c~taZog ol E ~ . t ~ K . . =
and Ceramic Su,plies.
Hoist ; Dorothy P e r k i n s ; Jo Rebert ; Ken S m i t h ; D o n W o o d
~i!i!iii!iiiiiiiiiiiii~iiil
Cover by R o b e r t L. C r e a g e r
: Name
Ceramics Monthly is published each month at the L a w h e a d P r e s s ,
Inc., A t h e n s , Ohio, by P r o f e s s i o n a l P u b l i c a t i o n s . Inc., S. L. D a v i s ,
Pres. and T r e a s . ; L. G. F a r b e r , V . P r e s . ; P. S. E m e r y , Secy. i!i:iiiii:i!~:iziiii~i:
iii:~i~ii[!ii~ Street
S U B S C R I P T I O N P R I C E in U . S . A . and P o s s e s s i o n s : one year, $ 5 ; !iiiiii!iii!iiiii
t w o years, $ 9 ; three years, $12. C a n a d a and P a n A m . add 50 cents a
~i!iii!i!i!~iii~
!iiiiiii City State
year; foreign, add $1 a year. Current issues, 50c; hack issues, 60c.
ALL CORRESPONDENCE (advertising, subscriptions, editorial)
should be sent to the editorial offices at 4175 N . H i g h St., Columbus
14, Ohio. E n t e r e d as second-class m a t t e r at the post office at A t h e n s ,
Ohio, as g r a n t e d under A u t h o r i t y of the A c t of March 3, 1879.
Copyright 1957 by P r o f e s s i o n a l P u b l i c a t i o n s , Inc. A l l rights reserved.
a n d s u p p o r t s the A m e r i c a n potter. M u - where one of the jurors is teaching.
s e u m s h e l p art potters p r e s e n t their work H a v i n g j u s t come here from C a n a d a ,
to the public a n d h e l p the public u n d e r - where I exhibited in a n u m b e r of shows
s t a n d creative ceramics. It behooves all art a n d looked forward to the pleasure of
potters to c o n t i n u e w o r k i n g h a r d to raise s h o w i n g m y work u n d e r the good old
this a n c i e n t art to the h i g h e s t possible A m e r i c a n principle of d e m o c r a c y a n d a
level• fair-chance-for-all, I a m quite appalled, to
T h e r e are different philosophies a n d say the lea~t.
AFTERMATH OF A SHOW different opinions on all subjects• By voic- H a v e juried shows in this c o u n t r y be-
ing o u r o p i n i o n s - - w i t h o u t b i t t e r n e s s - - w e come a f o r u m w h e r e a t e a c h e r c a n give
c a n p a v e t h e w a y to better u n d e r s t a n d i n g his pupils a public p a t on the back, and
Editor's N o t e : A s soon as the re- of the p r o b l e m s involved a n d thus help ad- incidentally acquire the publicity a n d re-
suits of the F i f t h A n n u a l Miami N a - v a n c e the art. p u t a t i o n of being an excellent teacher.
tional Ceramic E x h i b i t i o n w e r e re- T h e r e is a c u r r e n t situation w h i c h I can- whose pupils are b o u n d to win prizes in
leased, the CM mailbox b e g a n to bulge. n o t c o n d o n e . I t involves a vital facet of shows? O r are our efforts to be j u d g e d
the potters art. I w o u l d like to state m y on their merits of c r a f t s m a n s h i p a n d
W h e n the results of this E x h i b i t i o n o p i n i o n a n d ask s o m e questions. P e r h a p s artistic e n d e a v o u r ? If the latter is the
w e r e featured in CM's " S h o w Time" o t h e r potters will p r e s e n t their opinions. case, t h e n let us a d o p t a principle by
(April i s s u e ) , the m a i l b o x bulged s o m e T h i s will, n o d o u b t , lead to clarification w h i c h a j u r o r disqualifies himself if a
more. The f o l l o w i n g letters, selected and understanding. piece of ceramics to be j u d g e d is m a d e
I n the c u r r e n t M i a m i Exhibition, five by a n y o n e with w h o m he is closely con-
from m a n y received, are typical in tone a w a r d w i n n e r s are s t u d e n t s of Peter V o u l - nected (pupil, spouse or very close f r i e n d ) .
and content : kos, o n e of the m e m b e r s of t h e jury. We all go to a great deal of trouble
I n the 1955 W i c h i t a Show, two first a n d expense to send pots to shows, a n d
D e a r Editor: prizes were a w a r d e d to Paul Soldner, a should be rewarded by m o r e t h a n just
I t is i n v i g o r a t i n g a n d i n t e r e s t i n g to read s t u d e n t of Peter Voulkos, a m e m b e r of the being allowed to fill up the space left
your recent p u b l i c a t i o n of letters concern- jury. e m p t y by the jurors' clique. E l i m i n a t i n g
ing juries a n d awards. T h e r e are m a n y I n t h e fall of 1956, Peter Voulkos was a the possibility of collusion, in all fairness,
discrepancies in c u r r e n t systems of choos- m e m b e r of the regional j u r y of the a n y t e a c h e r would n a t u r a l l y feel m o r e in-
ing jurors a n d the m a n n e r in w h i c h t h e y Syracuse Show. F r o m the large n u m b e r clined toward a work by one of his pupils,
j u r y shows. O n e of the m o s t d i s c o n c e r t i n g of pieces s u b m i t t e d , only a couple dozen w h i c h would consciously or unconsciously
of situations o c c u r i n g h e r e in Los Angeles were f o u n d acceptable• H a l f of t h e m were reflect his own outlook . . .
is the m a t t e r of the f a m o u s P e t e r V o u l k o s p r o d u c e d by his s t u d e n t s . I realize t h a t this is a controversial sub-
as a juror. Before I go on, let m e say t h a t I re- ject, b u t I would appreciate your publish-
T h e m o s t stirring case in p o i n t is the spect Mr. V o u l k o s as a potter. H e is an i n g this letter. I feel it is a m a t t e r w h i c h
a n n o u n c e m e n t of t h e w i n n e r s of t h e F i f t h o u t s t a n d i n g potter a n d h a s done a g r e a t is of g r e a t i m p o r t a n c e to all w h o love
M i a m i N a t i o n a l C e r a m i c E x h i b i t of w h i c h deal to f u r t h e r the craft. If he feels t h a t a n d respect o u r A r t a n d its integrity.
Mr. Voulkos was one of t h r e e j u r y m e m - the pots he h e l p e d choose, were the best HAL F. F R O M H O L D
bers. T h e listing of w i n n e r s as Paul pots in the show, t h e n of course he has Los Angeles, California
Soldner, J o h n M a s o n , K e n n e t h Price, Bill every r i g h t to a w a r d prizes. I a m terribly
B e n g s t o n a n d J e r r y R o t h m a n c a m e as disturbed, however, b e c a u s e m a n y potters
a l m o s t no surprise. T h e y are all s t u d e n t s feel t h a t Mr. V o u l k o s h a s been giving Ed: In an attempt to bring about a
of Peter Voulkos, t e a c h e r of ceramics at prizes to his students r a t h e r t h a n [or the
best pot. constructive conclusion, the Editor
the Los A n g e l e s C o u n t y A r t Institute. wrote to the Ceramic League of Miami
Does this n o t a p p e a r s t r a n g e ? A m o n g t h e If this feeling c o n t i n u e s to prevail, g r e a t
t h o u s a n d s w h o s u b m i t to a n a t i o n a l exhibi- d a m a g e c a n be done to the f o r w a r d m o v e - and to the Lowe Gallery, telling them
tion are his s t u d e n t s t h e only ones eligible m e n t of art pottery. T h e potters w h o of the volume and nature of these let-
for a w a r d s ? T h i s is n o t so s t r a n g e in it- usually send work to exhibitions will stop
if t h e y feel the j u r y is biased. T h i s will ters, and a s k i n g if they would care to
self b u t w h e n one considers t h a t in 1955 corn ment:
at the W i c h i t a Show, Mr. V o u l k o s was result in inferior exhibitions a n d would be
also on the j u r y a n d Paul Soldner, one u n f a i r to h a r d - w o r k i n g m u s e u m s . T h r o u g h
m i s u n d e r s t a n d i n g a n d bitterness, the jury- D e a r Editor:
of his s t u d e n t s at t h a t time, c a m e a w a y • . . T h e Exhibition was originated pri-
with first prize plus a p u r c h a s e prize. i n g of exhibitions c a n d e g e n e r a t e into a
political battle r a t h e r t h a n a sincere a n d marily so t h a t we m i g h t have an oppor-
A n d f u r t h e r , to wit, at o u r local C o u n t y tunity to see a n d touch the work being
Fair, w h e r e Mr. V o u l k o s was also a h o n e s t choice of the best work.
S h o u l d prizes be a w a r d e d in exhibitions? done by A m e r i c a ' s best artists. O n e of
j u r o r for ceramics t h e s a m e list of n a m e s the m o s t thrilling developments has been
won a w a r d s - - S o l d n e r , M a s o n , Price a n d S h o u l d there be a first, second a n d third
prize? S h o u l d a r t potters send work to m e e t i n g a n d talking with our jury. We
Bengston, a n d this in 1956. realize t h a t c r a f t s m e n need the stimula-
M a y I ask then, are these t h e u n b i a s e d s h o w s ? S h o u l d potters j u d g e p o t t e r y ?
S h o u l d s t u d e n t ' s work be e n t e r e d in com- tion w h i c h only top flight exhibitions can
jurors t h a t we are asked to s u b m i t o u r bring. A c o m p e t e n t j u r y does m u c h to at-
work to in the n a t i o n a l c o m p e t i t i o n s ? W e petitions? S h o u l d a j u r o r disqualify h i m -
self f r o m j u d g i n g the work of relatives, tract the work of o u t s t a n d i n g ceramists,
c a n n o t all win a w a r d s b u t t h e r e c a n be a n d assures the stature of such an exhi-
fair r e p r e s e n t a t i o n t h r o u g h o u t t h e c o u n t r y s t u d e n t s a n d good f r i e n d s ?
T h e s e are s o m e of m y t h o u g h t s a n d bition. T h e h i g h level of quality a n d the
w h e n a w a r d s are given. T h e Los Angeles diversity of viewpoints we seek in o u r jury
C o u n t y A r t I n s t i t u t e is certainly n o t the questions on this subject. I a m q u i t e dis-
turbed, a l t h o u g h it is possible t h a t too is clearly indicated in the list of dis-
only place t h a t good ceramics are pro- t i n g u i s h e d n a m e s of our past jurors . . .
duced, a n d one w o n d e r s if, even there, m u c h i m p o r t a n c e is b e i n g given to iso-
lated incidents. [ w h i c h includes K a t h e r i n e Choy, Edwin
could they be classed as good c e r a m i c ware Scheier, Mrs. V a n d e r b i l t W e b b . . .].
considering t h e pieces t h a t I h a v e seen As a T r u s t e e of t h e A m e r i c a n Crafts-
m e n ' s C o u n c i l , I feel a responsibility to all Our m e t h o d of selecting the jury m a y be
given a w a r d s by Peter Voulkos. " C h u n k s of interest. T h e first m e m b e r m u s t be
of stone m o u n t a i n " c o u l d n o t a d e q u a t e l y c r a f t s m e n a n d art g a l l e r i e s - - t o see t h a t
they are t r e a t e d fairly as individuals a n d one of the country's top potters; the sec-
describe t h e m ; t h e y are b u t pieces b a d l y ond, experienced in enamels-on-metal or
thrown, b a d l y glazed a n d b a d l y crafted. in t h e i r relations w i t h e a c h other.
If t h e r e is justification for some of the s c u l p t u r e ; a n d the third, someone well
S h a m e on one of o u r r e p u t a b l e potters for i n f o r m e d b u t not actively e n g a g e d in
such performance. c u r r e n t practices in t h e j u r y i n g of exhi-
bitions, I w o u l d like to be c o n v i n c e d of it. crafts. T h u s , various fields are repre-
N A M E W I T H H E L D BY REQUEST sented in an a t t e m p t to get a fair cross-
I h o p e o t h e r potters will take the trouble
to voice their opinions on this i m p o r t a n t section of c o n t e m p o r a r y A m e r i c a n work.
Dear Editor: matter. Signatures are m a s k e d so that each piece
C e r a m i c s M o n t h l y is a n i m p o r t a n t m e a n s F. CARLTON BALL s t a n d s or falls on its individual merit as
of c o m m u n i c a t i o n in t h e field of a r t pot- Professor of Fine Arts t h e jury sees it. T h e deelsion of the jury
tery. By d i s s e m i n a t i n g t h e opinions of pot- U n i v e r s i t y of S o u t h e r n California is final.
ters, it c a n h e l p b r i n g a b o u t a better Los Angeles, California In o u r five-year history, we have h a d
u n d e r s t a n d i n g b e t w e e n c r a f t s m e n on all five different juries, five different collec-
things involved in their craft. A strengthen- tive viewpoints, a n d each one has m a d e
ing of t h e entire craft m o v e m e n t s h o u l d Dear Editor: a n i m p o r t a n t contribution• We have gained
result. • . . Y o u too m a y h a v e w o n d e r e d at a fresh insight into the field t h r o u g h their
T h e art p o t t e r h a s h a d a long, h a r d the " c o i n c i d e n c e " w h i c h placed a dis- respective eyes, experiences a n d convic-
struggle a c h i e v i n g w h a t success h e present- p r o p o r t i o n a t e n u m b e r of the a w a r d s with tions, a n d we hope these experiences will
ly enjoys. M o r e of t h e public n o w accepts s t u d e n t s of t h e L. A. C o u n t y A r t Institute, (Continued on page 6)
CERAMICS MONTHLY
UL A P P R O V E D FOR YOUR I"KUII::~!IUN
Ask your local Electric Company or Fire Insurance Company
about the importance of UL approval on any electric appliance.
Others claim that wire and switches are UL approved, but their kilns are not!
TOP LOADERS
20 quality built, feature packed models from which
DYNAKILNS feature the patented DYNA- ~~~
tOGLowChOoSe.porcelain
element holders . . . 4-way switches ~
. . . 2 peep h o l e s . . . p i l o t l i g h t s . . , and they are ~ i~
designed with your safety in mind. M O D E L Ul6tlU'~l~i
ENAMELING KILNS
Price includes Pyrometer,
TEMPERATURE HOLDING Input Control Switch, Gravity Door,
ENAMELING KILN Pilot Light, and Patented Dyna-GIow
Porcelain Element Holders.
Can Also Do Ceramics!
Attractive . . . Plugs in anywhere!
s.,.80-- p u,,2"cr.,n, ch.r.. MODEL E49
/-it Chamber size: 4" x 81/2" x 8~"
CERAMICS MONTHLY
For School Projects in Ceramics
POTTER'S WHEEL
[] TRAY--THREE COATS OF VITRE-
OUS PORCELAIN ENAMEL--WATER
TIGHT -- EASY TO CLEAN --
SHELF AT REAR.
• SHAFT--ONE PIECE--HYDRAUL -
8 CERAMICS MONTHLY
ABOVE PRODUCTS A V A I L A B L E AT D U N C A N DEALERS & DISTRIBUTORS EVERYWHERE
Write f o r Complete Distributor List.
WE'RE CROWING---
by LEAPS and BOUNDS!
There's not only A reason,
There are Many reasons.
Here are just a few:
Reliability
Courteous Dealings
Prompt Shipments
Complete Stocks
And
"Name Brand" Merchandise name plates in gold lear.
Sold At Order one today! pric. $ 3 . 5 0
(we pay postage)
Nationally Advertised Prices r _ m,, m mm m mm m mm m m m m m m m m m m mmmm--'mm, 1
Ceramics Monthly
CAN ANYONE OFFER YOU MORE? 417S N. High St. Yes - - please send me a BINDER
Columbus, Ohio foi" my copies of Ceramics Monthly
I Name
!
Address
Ad~ I
3293- 3295 Jackson Ave. I
MEMPHIS 12, TENN. City Zn__ Stole II
I
m i enclose $ send remhr. . . . . ;th order.Ohlo residentsadd ]% SolesTo,, m
k m m .m, mmm m m m m m m m m m m m mmm ~- m m m m m m m mmml
MAY, 1957 9
KANSAS, ~'IC ttITA
through May 20
The 12th National Decorative Arts and
Ceramic Exhibition at the Wichita Art
Association, 401 North Belmont Avenue.
Ceramics, jewelry, ceramic sculpture, and
enamel included in media.
Send show announcements e a r l y - - W h e r e
to Show: three months ahead of entry ~,~ICHIGAN, FLINT
date; Where to Go: at least s~x weeks May 10-June 2
before opening. Selected ceramics, including prize win-
ners, from the 19th Ceramic National at
Syracuse. At the Flint Institute of Arts.
WHERE TO S H O W
Big annual hobby-trade shows of t h e e
NEw YORK, SARANAC LAKE ceramic field will be held this year at
Asbury Park and Chicago in May. On
July 1-20 these occasions manufacturers and
Adirondack Annual Exhibit sponsored by dealers put on display, for the benefit
Dorothy Ypez Galleries. Mediums in- of hobbyists, all that is new a n d / o r
clude sculpture and ceramics. Jury; cash useful in the way of supplies and equip-
prizes. Fee: $3. Entry cards due June ment--glazes and underglazes, enamels.
I; work due June 24. For details write: kilns, molds, tools, brushes, etc. Con-
Mrs. Dorothy Ypez, Happy Manor, current with each show is a competitive
We've Got Something Saranac Lake, N.Y. exhibition with prizes.
EASTERN CERAMIC HOBBY SHOVe
VIRGINIA, VIRGINIA BEACH
To Crow Over! July 11-15
For artists who wish to sell their work,
Convention Hall, Asbury Park, N.J.
May 4-9
the Virginia Beach Art Association is Sponsored by Ceramic Leagues, Inc.
VELVA-PLY
I-- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
sponsoring the Second Annual Board-
walk Art Show. All creative media ac-
ceptable for exhibit and sale. Entry fee
Trade exhibits, demonstrations, com-
petitive exhibit.
GREAT LAKES CERAMIC HOBBY
$1. Cash awards. Advise number of EXHIBITION
entries before July 1. Artist or repre-
We are not egg-zadurat- sentative must accompany and display Conrad Hilton Hotel, Chicago
;ng when we say that it is work. For details, write Virginia Beach May 26-30
Art Association. Sponsored by Great Central Ceramic
the best glaze on the marke~'. League and Michigan Ceramic Deal-
er's Association. Trade exhibits, dem-
WHERE TO G O onstrations, competitive exhibit.
* SMOOTH AS A NEW BORN
CHICK. CALIFORNIA, OAKLAND .-V[ICHIGAN, MUSKEGON
June 28-30 May 5-May 26
* SOFT AS A FEATHER. "Ceramic Creations in the Home" is the "New England Crafts," Smithsonian In-
theme of the 3rd Annual Ceramic Show stitution Traveling Exhibition, at the
*WE STILL HAVE THOSE sponsored by Ceramic Associates of Cen- Hackley Art Gallery.
tral California. The work of hobbyists
TRIAL KITS OF VELVA-PLY, will be shown in the Oakland Exhibition
Building, 10th and Fallon. NEW HAMPSHIRE, MANCHESTER
TOO:
May 8-June 2
CANADA, 1~ONTREAL New Hampshire Craft Guild Exhibition,
Regular kit, six assorted opens May 9 sponsored by the Potters, Weavers and
" C a n a d i a n Ceramics 1957," Canada's Jewelers Guilds of the League of New
colors in 4 oz. jars at only second coast-to-coast ceramic exhibition. Hampshire Crafts; at the Currier Gal-
$4..20 POSTPAID. Special kit at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. lery of Art.
of six 4 oz. jars of Velva-Ply CONNECTICUT, N E W LONDON NEW MEXICO, ALBUQUERQUE
Art Glazes at only $5.20 through May 26 May 19-June 10
POSTPAID. Annual exhibition sponsored by the So- Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhi-
ciety of Connecticut Craftsmen at the bition, "Italian Arts and Crafts," at the
Lyman Allen Museum. New Mexico Art League, Public Library.
"-'Drol enfe/d
MAY, 1957 11
The NEW MAYCO
SA TINA
is s o f t . . , s a t i n y . . , a p p e a l i n g . . .
a cclaim e d - T , E YEARS OREATESTAO,ANCE ,N CERAMICS OECORATiON
a completely finished piece with only one
firing. Simply apply 2 or 3 coats of
SATINA on greenware with brush or sponge.
Decorate if you like with ONE STROKE*
translucent ceramic colors or other SATINAS.
Fire at cone 06. Ask for SATINA at your
nearest studio.
T H E
KLOPFENSTEIN
W H E E L
12 CERAMICS MONTHLY
SHOW TIME
Ninth Annual
Ohio Ceramic and Sculpture Show
MAY, 1957 13
the earliest times, man has
F ront
drawn inspiration from birds.
Our greatest poets have been charmed
Cynthia Creates a Cloud Castle and fascinated by these beautiful
winged creatures whose habitat is
heaven.
The Old Testament says, "A bird
A PERENNIAL
of the air shall carry the voice, and
that which hath wings shall tell the
matter." John Milton wrote, "Sweet
is the breath of morn, her rising
sweet, with charm of earliest b i r d s . . . "
Every home where there are trees
BIRDHOUSE
and birds needs a b i r d h o u s e - - o r
several of them for different kinds of
birds. I believe one reason we do not
see more birdhouses is that they
usually are made of wood, which is
not very durable. After a few- years,
perched high in a tree, buffeted by
by HENRY BOLLMAN wind, soaked by rain, and covered
with snow, these tiny habitations soon
fall apart--victims of the weather.
For a weatherproof birdhouse, and
one which will retain its color and
finish indefinitely, what is more logical
than clay? Clay, when fired and
glazed to a high temperature, is far
more durable than most other ma-
terials. History proves this. Clay
figures from the Indus Valley of
India, estimated to be 20,000 years
old; Greek vases over 4,000 years old;
Egyptian figurines; Babylonian bas
reliefs - - still retain their original
beauty after surviving several thous-
and years. For the potter, this truly
is a heaven-sent opportunity.
B U I L D I N G a clay birdhouse need
not be a difficult task. In fact, it is so
simple that it would be an excellent
child's project for a school or craft
center. Here's how Cynthia built her
"model home" for tree swallows. This
is the simplest form of house to make,
and is a good beginning project.
At the odtset, of course, you must
decide what kind of bird you wish to
attract to your house. The general
rule is that the larger the entrance,
the larger the bird tenant the house
will attract. A house, such as Cyn-
thia's, is designed for tree swallows.
Before you begin, assemble all your
tools and materials. A piece of oil-
cloth, canvas side up, makes an ideal
working surface since the clay will nor
stick to it. Your tools are the very
s i m p l e s t - a plaster bat about 1()
inches in diameter, a rolling pin, a
small darning needle or other sharp-
pointed tool, one or two clay-modeling
tools, and a sponge.
The quality of the clay you use is
CERAMICS MONTHLY
not important, since birds are not N o w the house is ready to be put
p a r t i c u l a r in aesthetic matters. H o w - aside to dry. Allow at least three days
ever, it is most i m p o r t a n t that your for drying at room t e m p e r a t u r e . I)o
clay be very plastic, so it m a y be easily not try to speed up the drying as there
rolled into long coils a n d worked into is a d a n g e r of w a r p a g e if the piece is
shape without cracking. In this dried too f a s t - - e s p e c i a l l y if it is very
demonstration, Cynthia used a pre- thick. D u r i n g the first two days of
p a r e d white clay body which h a d a drying, allow tile house to stand up-
fine. plastic quality. Here is the pro- right on the bat. O n tile lhird day.
cedure she followed: lay it on its side to allow the base
to dry completely.
1. Roll out a slab of well-wedged .... ~ ~ . , ~ ~ "
W h e n drying is completed, the
clay on the plaster bat. T h e slab
house is ready to be d e c o r a t e d with Rolling out the clay on a plaster bat is the
should be about half an inch thick.
underglazes or engobes. After the first step in making a birdhouse. A quite-
2. Cut a circular base. about seven piece is decorated, allow it to dry in plastic clay should be used.
inches in diameter, from the slab. A a w a r m place for several horns before
plate or saucer m a y be used as a pat- placing it in the kiln for bisque firing.
tern for the circle. T h e needle makes F i r i n g should begin very slowly. I n
a good cutting tool. an electric kiln. allow at least two
hours for the t e m p e r a t u r e to reach
3. Using the coil m e t h o d and thick 1.000:F. D u r i n g the first hour, leave
coils, build up the h o u s e - - o n e coil on the kiln door open a b o u t an inch to
top of another. W o r k each coil care- allow kiln moisture to escape. Bisque
fully with the fingers into the one be- fire to about 1500°F. At this temper-
low. Follow the photographs for de- a t u r e most clays become h a r d enough
sign. T h i c k walls are one of the to be ideal for'glazing. Slightly l)orous
greatest a d v a m a g e s of this clay house. bisque is best. If your bisque is fired
as c o m p a r e d to a wooden one, be- too high, the surface becomes so h a r d
cause thev tend to keep the house that glaze will not readily stick to it.
cooler in summer, and w a r m e r in
If you have d e c o r a t e d your bird- Using a circular object as a "pattern,"
winter. Orinthologists d e m a n d a house
house with underglaze or engobes, you Cynthia cuts the base for the birdhouse. A
of this type; the thicker the walls the
should use an uncolored, t r a n s p a r e n t darning needle or other sharp-pointed fool is
better. Be careful to avoid air spaces
glaze. A p p l y a good. even coating of used to cut the clay.
between the coils.
glaze bv either brushing or pouring.
While the clay is wet. the house
Glaze fire the piece to the m a t u r i n g
should measure about nine inches in
t e m p e r a t u r e of the glaze recom-
height. However, it will shrink about
m e n d e d bv the m a n u f a c t u r e r .
one inch while drying. If you wish.
you may make the house taller than N o w the birdhouse is ready to in-
nine inches, or wider, but not smaller. stall. F i n d a tree which is not too n e a r
T h e little cap at the top m a y be a d d e d the house, but which is in plain view
as a decorative detail. But it is not from your window so vou m a y watch
technically essential. the birds entering and" leaving. Using
a long galvanized lag screw with a
4. Smooth the outside surface as
square head. fasten the house firmly
much as possible with the fingers.
to the tree. Be sure to place the house
T h e n finish it with a wet sponge.
high enough in the tree to assure
5. While the clay is still d a m p , cut safety for the birds.
the entrance hole with the needle. O n c e you have a t t r a c t e d a p a i r of Cynthia carefully joins the coils, blending
This should not exceed one a n d a half swallows or other birds, they will give each one carefully into the one below. Thick
inches in height, a n d should not be you m a n y weeks of e n t e r t a i n i n g a n d walls provide insulation which birds need.
wider than two inches at the base. amusing experiences as they build
6. For fastening the house to a tree. their nest. Soon the new generation
pass the needle through the bird- will a p p e a r a n d you can watch them
house from front to back a b o u t three grow day by day. W h e n cold w e a t h e r
inches from the top. M a k e the holes comes, vour bird family will leave a n d
about half an inch in diameter, large your birdhouse m a y r e m a i n unoccu-
enough to a c c o m m o d a t e a bolt. Of. if p i e d until the next m a t i n g season.
you wish to suspend the house by Possibly it m a v be taken over by an-
wires, cut two small holes about one other species.
inch down from the top. However. At anv rate, your birdhouse will re-
most birds prefer a house which is m a i n a thing of bright b e a u t y through
[irml), fastened to the tree. m a n y seasons, giving o r n a m e n t a n d
In a d d i t i o n to the insulation interest to your g a r d e n the year r o u n d
afforded by the thick clay walls, birds - - r e t a i n i n g its original finish just as
need plenty of ventilation. T o ensure it came from the kiln. Building a bird-
house is a r e w a r d i n g ceramic project. The size of the entrance determines the size
adequate ventilation, pierce man),
You will find that it will bring plea- of the bird tenants. Cynthia cuts an en-
ventilation holes about one inch up
sure to you as well as comfort to trance designed for tree swallows and makes
from the base of the house, as well
the birds for m a n y years to come. • holes for ventilation.
as additional ones scattered higher up.
MAY, 1957 15
A P R E F A C E TO E N A M E L I N G
ENAMELING- PROCEDURES
by KENNETH F. BATES
Every field o/ endeacor has its own fore going ahead with the finished greasy! under the tracing paper; and
"'standard procedures." Usually there are piece. M a k e the d r a w i n g in detail and make the tracing with a 4H pencil,
as many standard procedures as there are to scale, and render it in full color. sharp-1)ointed stylus or jeweler's scribe
people. An outline tracing can be m a d e on m order to produce an accurate thin
The recommended procedures given be- o r d i n a r y tracing paper. line.
low are those that Kenneth Bates has de-
(:over the face of the m e t a l to be
veloped during his many years o[ studying, Concentrated Gum Tragacanth
e n a m e l e d with a thin coat of white
teaching and practicing the enameler's art.
t e m p e r a and transfer tim design to For wet inlay, each enamel color to
They are presented as a pre[ace to hi~
this surface. N o w with steel point or be used is mixed with a few drops of
[eature articles on cloisonne, plique-a-jour
scribe, retrace or scratch the line on concenlrated g u m traffacanth. T h e
and champIece, which will begin appearing
the copper. T h e white t e m p e r a is now gum may bc m a d e in the following
in C M next month.---Ed.
washed off with water leaving a clean vcav :
surface with a scratched outline.
Working Sketches Fill a q u a r t Mason j a r three-quar-
T o make the transfer, attach the ters full of distilled water. Carefu!lv
Preliminary thinking, p l a n n i n g a n d tracing at the top of the piece: insert dust one tablespoon of dry powdere~l
sketching should be done on p a p e r be- a sheet of thin red carbon p a p e r (non- gulrl t r a g a c a n t h on the surface of tile
water, l,et the powder settle gradually.
In about six hours, the thickened
solution at the bottom of the jar may
be used as concentrated tragacanth'.
F o r use in an atomizer, dissoh'e the
concentrate with ten times as much
distilled water. If the gum tragacanth
mixture has a bad odor in a few days,
a few drops of pure wood alcol~oi
(not rubbing alcohol} will be suffi-
cient to purify it. Some enamelers use
a drop or two of carbolic acid.
Stoning
I8 CERAMICS MONTHLY
cnamel. Switch to tlre finer grade of would ]mid true. However. in sorne thinner the metal. the higher the
stone and. as the work progresses. cases, the nmnerous firings required gauge number.
g r a d u a l l y rub more and m o r e gently cause excessive fire scale which pre- B & S Gauge Thickness ( ira.
until your last strokes merely caress sents a problem in cleaning the 16 .050
the surface (this is the only way to copper. t8 .040
avoid light smudges which so often I suggest that. if copper wire is to 2O .032
occur in beginner's w o r k ) . Dry the be i n c o r p o r a t e d into the design, the 2 L2 .025
piece of enamel with a soft rag a n d if artist should plan to allow the wires 24' .020
no shining area can be seen. it is to r e m a i n at a higher level than the
readv for refiring. N e v e r a p p l y m o r e Selection of Gauge
enamel. H e then will be able to butt"
,marizel to a , l o n e d xur[ace without the surfaces of the wire as vigorously M u c h could be said a b o u t the
refiring first. as he desires with no d a n g e r to the craftsman's selection of the p r o p e r
If a dull or m a t t finish is desired. enamel surface. This effect in cloi- gauge metal for a specific project. I n
simply omit the fMng after stoning. sonne is entirely legitimate, a n d there j u d g i n g craft exhibitions, the selection
are m a n y craftsmen who prefer the of tile p r o p e r gauge metal seems to be
Polishing raised w{re effect for contrast to the a m a j o r basis for criticism. Often.
Exposed Inetal surfaces a n d . or lower or sunken areas of enamel. when a too heavy gauge is chosen, the
wires mav be buffed with a felt wheel enamelist seems to feel t h a t it is his
and one "of the fine polishing agents Gauges prerogative to load on coat after coat
such as bobbing c o m p o u n d or a fine of enamel. T h e end result is almost
M e a s u r e m e n t s of the thickness of a as heavv as a piece of p o t t e W. This
grade of tripoli, followed by a soft cot- wire or sheet of metal are designated
ton buff with jeweler's rouge. D o not. practise'is entirely erroneous. E n a m e l -
in gauges. T h e gauge is a r o u n d or ware should n e v e r be heavy. If it is.
however, use so inuch pressure as to oblong sheet of heavv steel with slots
wear away the metal a n d leave the the whole integrity of the m e d i u m is
and holes of various sizes. These slots forfeited.
enamel sli'ghtly raised: be carefifl es- m a y range in width from .005-inch to
pecially if you are working with fine By the same token, e n a m e l e d bowls.
.50-inch.
silver. Ira some cases, a fiber" brush trays, or plaques should not be m a d e
with bobbing c o m p o u n d is sufficient Sheet metal is Ineasured by insert- on such thin-gauge m e t a l that they
for the polishing job. E n a m e l e d sur- mg it into one of the slots in the a p p e a r "tinny." cheap a n d flimsy.
faces are not affected bv the con> gauge. T h e holes in the gauge are T h e r e nmst be a richness to the
pounds suggested unless some particu- used for measuring wire. E a c h gauge quality of the piece which is definitely
larly soft and porous enamel has been n u m b e r corresponds to a dimension in established by the choice of gauge in
used. If very soft colors are to be inches. the first planning.
incorporated in a piece, plan to I n the U n i t e d States, the Brown and It is difficult to give a "'rule of
work with fine silver or pure gold S h a r p e (B & S) gauge is the s t a n d a r d t h u m b " for this subtle, b u t vital, m a t -
because it will require less buffing and for all measurements of wire and ter of weight which has so m u c h to do
polishing. sheet metal. A portion of the B & S with tactile characteristics. If the
Generally, if copper wire is used. gauge numbers with inch equivalents e n a m e l is to be f r a m e d a n d h u n g on
the above information regarding buff- is r e p r o d u c e d in the table below. You the wall, the p r o b l e m of choice of
ing wire surfaces after" the final firing will note that the finer the wire, or (Continued on page 28)
MAY, 1957 17
T here is a difference between
good pottery and ceramics," An-
The glaze could be sprayed on. she
explained, but she prefers a brush "be-
for instruction. To do this, she has
literally lived beside her kilns for the
tonio Prieto wrote in connection with cause with a brush the glaze can be past nineteen years, on m a n y a stormy
the 1955 International Exposition of better controlled." Although she hap- night walking the length of Academ;:
Ceramics at Cannes. " T o me, good pened to be using a Japanese brush. Road, from her apartment to her stu-
pottery, besides expressing the charac- she is usually happiest with a sable. dio, to check on the progress of an im-
ter and personality of the creator, ex- portant firing. "Even if we had
Brushing the glaze around the pot
presses the character and potentialities mechanically regulated kilns. I
while slowly revolving the banding
of the materials. I do not think vou wouldn't trust them," she says. " W h e n
wheel on which it sat, she went on
can separate them and have sound I am firing I trust no one and nothing
work." talking: " T h e undercoat should be
equivalent in thickness to the top coal. but myself."
T h e work of Maija Grotell e x a c t h or the two glazes will run together Part of her reward is the purchase
fits Mr. Prieto's definition of good pot- and the design will he lost in firing. of her work by eighteen leading mu-
tery: it expresses the character and T o 'feel' this as you work takes ex- seums, ranging from the Metropolitan
personality of the creator as well as perience." Museum in New York to the Wichita
the character and potentialities of the Art Association Gallery. She won the
materials. After the first coat of glaze had silver medal at the 19~37 Paris Inter-
dried, she applied a high-feldspar national Exposition; has taken awards
T h e point is strengthened in an white glaze into which she had mixed at five of the National Ceramic shows
article by Robert L. Matters in which white Karo syrup for the hinder. in Syracuse, and won many other im-
he states his belief that artist-potters "This keeps it at a good consistency portant prizes. It is only natural that
in this country are more indebted to for painting," she explained. " T h e use (Continued o~ page 32)
the work of Maija Grotell than to anv- of Karo is not original with me. I
one else. thought it was until I found other
" . . . From the start her work has potters using it too!"
been stron.g, individual, and an artis- She painted the inside of the pot by MARION H. BEMIS
tic expression of her life and age," he with the same glaze but thinned it so
writes. " H e r development, at Cran- the cobalt bodv underneath would
book Academy of Art in Michigan, show through as a green-blue color-
of a program aimed at the potter who after firing.
is interested in producing fine indi-
vidual pieces as art put pots on a
level with painting and sculpture,
After the coat of white glaze had
dried, I watched her decorate free-
hand, cutting through the glaze coat-
M
rather than heavy production. It
ing with a sharp tool in a sgraffito or
brought about the m a j o r change in
American pottery concept."
All of Miss Grotell's work is stone-
carving technique. Obviously, this
step is one that the unpracticed potter
might be reluctant to undertake. T h e
D
ware, high fired within a range of only answer, says Miss Grotell, is prac-
cone 6 to 10. But one should not, she
insists, be dependent on any one tool
or temperature. As we watched her
tice and more practice. The same is
true, of course, of the glazes which
must be tested many times to discover
A
decorating a pot as shown in photos how they react ira different temper-
on these pages, she explained that the atures and kilns.
same technique she .was using can also
T h e glaze firing comes last, with
be used with softer clays and lower
temperature. constant surveillance to see how the
glazes are reacting. I n the case of this
She was working on a thrown pot .pot: the dark underglaze coming out
which had been bisque fired for four- in iron spangles and crackles through
teen hours. It was m a d e of an especi- the white top glaze gave the surface
ally colored clay for which Miss Gro- a marvelous, deep texture. Occasional
tell gave the formula: set aside 10 drips of glaze into the cutout design
pounds of stoneware clay and 2~2 makes the pot even more fascinating
pounds of grog; grind in a mortar 20 in appearance.
grams of cobalt with a handful of M I S S G R O T E I , I , . who came to the
clay and some water, and sieve United States from Finland in 1927.
through a 60-mesh screen; then add was graduated from the Central
the rest of the clay and the grog to School of Industrial Art in Helsinki.
the mixture. " I t is a difficult process In this country, she taught first at the
to get an even color," she said, "be- H e n r y Street Settlement House in
cause the cobalt is granular and hard New York. She became a ceramics in-
to m i x - - s o mix it well." structor at Rutgers University in 1936.
As Miss Gmtell decorates with her and in 1938 went to the Cranbrook
sure hand, it all looks so simple, but Academy of Art to head the ceramics
at the same time one realizes it takes department at the invitation of the
years of practice to achieve this sure late Eliel Saarinen, first president of
h a n d and certain knowledge of how the school. ONE GLAZE ON ANOTHER produces deep
glazes will react. textures and varied color. Miss Grotell shows
As resident artist at Cranbrook. the steps. An undercoat of iron glaze is
First, she brushed an undercoat of Miss Grotell is expected to carry on
iron glaze on the fired pot (see recipes, her own work as well as to teach the
page 32). eager young potters who are accepted
18 CERAMICS MONTHLY
IJA GROTELL
:ORATES shown
~OT
A Noted Potter Demonstrates A Favorite Technique
brushed on (1) followed by a coating of through the top glaze creating a spotted,
white glaze (2). Then a design is cut through textured surface. A closeup is shown at right;
(3). During firing, the iron glaze bubbles the finished pot, above left.
MAY, 19S7 19
DECORATE with UNDERGLAZES
Another version of the rubber stamp technique is made by cutting pleted with a brush. Here only the body of the bird is printed, at
only a portion of the motif from foam rubber. The design is com- various angles, on the plate.
20 CERAMICS MONTHLY
THE SIMPLE TECHNIQUE of printing with
a foam rubber stamp is demonstrated at the
right by Marc Bellaire.
MAY, 19,57 21
In this series of articles, no specific brand of underglaze
is either suggested or implied. The nationally
advertised brands are highly competitive in quality and price.
Mr. Bellaire's advice is to use
those brands you feel give you the best results.
ANIMAL A
Methods and designs
by MARC BELLAIRE
A N I M A L S have basic shapes too. animal to find the basic shape that
T h e y do not all fit into one category is h i d d e n - - c a m o u f l a g e d by appen-
as do some motifs. dages, hail' or fur.
T o see the basic shape of an animal. H o w to convert a pair of "S" curves
you must eliminate the a p p e n d a g e s into a zebra is graphically illustrated
the head, feet. tail. W h e n you do this in the a c c o m p a n y i n g step-by-step
a d a c h s h u n d becomes a long oval. A photos. Because it does not involve
Scottie is a rather a n g u l a r oval or rec- m a n y colors, the zebra design shown
tangle. A circle or a h n o s t - r o u n d oval here" is quite simple. However, its
represents the e l e p h a n t - r h i n o - h i p p o black and white boldness makes it a
family. T h e horse f a m i l y - - h o r s e , ze- dralnatic motif. T h e other illustrations
bra. ('teer. etc. can be r e p | e s e n t e d bv the gazelle a n d the d e e r - - a r e excel-
a pair of "S" curves. lent examples of m a k i n g motifs fit the
So you see. you nlust study each shapes on which they are placed. •
To fit a long shape, the general proportions Long horns convert the deer into o gazelle
of the deer (left) were exaggerated--body (right). He was made to recline to fit the
squeezed tege~'her, neck elongated. shape, his head turned back far convenience.
22 CERAMICS MONTH:LY
3TIFS
The dramatic effect
produced by the white sgraffitoed lines
on the zebra's black body
is shown on the finished piece after
glazing and firing.
1. A pair of "S" curves ~s put in with black. 2. Next, head and feet are added to the 3. The tail then is printed in black~ and
Plate has been spattered with medium gray. basic "S" shape, the body filled in.
4. Decorative elements, such as teal blue 5. Black outlining and other details are put b. A sgraffito tool, used on its side, scratches
leaves, go in next. in with small liner brush. in zebra's broad, white stripes.
MAY, 1957 23
Strictly Stoneware
... slips and engobes (cont.)
by F. CARLTON BALL
. . . . . . . . . L A S T M O N T H the sub- T h e s e ranges m a y be of h e l p at T h e consistency of slip is c o n t r o l l e d
ject o[ alip, and engobe., c o n e 3-8 : by the a m o u n t o[" w a t e r used in m i x -
was introduced. Mr. Ball On leather- On bone- ing the batch. T h e art p o t t e r will v a r y
discussed uarious ma- hard body dry body it to suit his purpose, d e p e n d i n g on
terials that can be used Kaolin . . . . . 25%-65% 15%-25% the d e c o r a t i v e t e c h n i q u e used. A slip
[or slips and engobes, Cornish stone 5-50 25-55 can be d e f l o c c u l a t e d to m a k e it thin
elaborating on their phy- Flint . . . . . . . 0-45 20-50 or f l o c c u l a t e d to m a k e it thick, b u t
sical and chemical pro- Ball clay . . . . I0 10 it is b e t t e r to a d d or s u b t r a c t w a t e r
perties. He gave other Sodium for the desired consistency.
[undamental in[ormation carbonate . . 1 1 T h e chief c o n t r o l l i n g factors for the
and included sez.eral en-
colors you can o b t a i n f r o m c o m m e r -
gobe recipes. Below, Mr. Also at cone 3-8. the s a m e ingre- cial stains are the glaze used a n d the
Ball continues this subject, picking up dients w o u l d v a r y as follows for use t e m p e r a t u r e to w h i c h it is fired. A
where he le[t off. Ed. on bisque-fired w a r e : t h o r o u g h testing of clay, engobe colors
Kaolin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15c/c-25c¢
HERE ARE SOME v e r y versatile en- a n d glazes, in the p o t t e r ' s w o r k s h o p ,
Cornish stone . . . . . . . . . . 25-55 is the only reliable way of d e v e l o p i n g
gobes. T h e y can be used for e a r t h e n -
Flint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-50 g o o d c o l o r e d engobes.
w a r e as well as s t o n e w a r e , their r a n g e
Ball clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
e x t e n d i n g f r o m c o n e 04 to 9. F o r w o r k i n g up a g o o d p a l e t t e of
Sodimn carbonate . . . . . . . 1
#4 engobes the f o l l o w i n g test is suggested.
parts S o m e suggestions for a d d i n g colors M a k e several 6 " x 10" tiles ~ - i n c h
Feldspar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 to slips or engobes are g i v e n below. thick. P a i n t a n i n c h - w i d e b a n d of en-
Flint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 N e a r l y all these colors are g o o d for gobe the full 10-inch l e n g t h of the
China clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 b o t h o x i d a t i o n a n d r e d u c t i o n firing: tile a n d r e p e a t w i t h e a c h color b e i n g
'~5 20% Red iron oxide--a good iron red. tested; the n u m b e r , n a m e or any
parts 25% Red iron oxide plus 5:~ mang,~- o t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n you wish to note
Kentucky ball clay . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 nese dioxide a brown-black. m a y be s c r a t c h e d t h r o u g h each b a n d
Feldspar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 10:~ Manganese dioxide- brown. of color. A f t e r the tile is bisque fired.
Magnesium carbonate . . . . . . . . . . 14 40% Barnard clay brown (sinfilar to a p p l y various glazes in strips two
Flint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 above). inches w i d e across the bands of sllp.
10% Black underglaze--bhle-black or E a c h glaze c a n be identified w i t h a
#6
green-black. black u n d e r g l a z e pencil. W h e n the
Feldspar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10%
1% Black cobalt oxide--medium blue. tile has b e e n fired to the p r o p e r cone,
Talc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2% Black cobalt oxide plus 3 ~ red iron you will k n o w w h i c h colors will w o r k
Ball clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
oxlde--strong blue. a n d the s t r e n g t h w i t h w h i c h they will
Kaolin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
2% Red iron oxide plus ~,c~. black co- show t h r o u g h glaze. S o m e glazes will
Flint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
balt oxide plus ~/-'9~ green chromium be good o v e r s o m e colors while o t h e r
Borax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
oxide--strong blue-green. colors will be c h a n g e d or destroyed by
F o r those w h o wish to d o s o m e ex- the glaze. A very few glazes will be
p e r i m e n t a l w o r k to c r e a t e t h e i r o w n I t is possible to a d d q u i t e a n u m b e r q u i t e g o o d w i t h all colors.
slips, the f o l l o w i n g ranges of c o m p o - of colors to this list by using glaze S o m e of the f o l l o w i n g glazes m a y
sitions will h e l p : stains p r o d u c e d by v a r i o u s m a n u f a c - w o r k well o v e r engobes:
F o r a fire clay, g r o g body, cone turing companies which make ceramic
Glaze V. clear glossy, cone 8-10
8-10: colorants. F r o m 1 0 ~ to 2 0 ~ ; of a
Potash feldspar . . . . . . . . 20%-45% parts
glaze stain is usually effective.
Flint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40 White lead ............ 116
T o p r e p a r e the engobes, first w e i g h Whiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
China clay . . . . . . . . . . . 30-60 the dry i n g r e d i e n t s ; t h e n a d d t h e m to
Calcium carbonate . . . . . . . 0-10 Feldspar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
e n o u g h w a t e r to m a k e a c r e a m y sllp. Zinc oxide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
F o r vitreous slips for c l a y - g r o g Stir this slip by h a n d ; screen the slip Ball clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
bodies f i r e d at cone 4 a n d 5: first t h r o u g h a 30- or 4 0 - m e s h screen. Flint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Cornwall stone . . . . . . . . . . 25 c~-50e7~ t h e n t h r o u g h a n 80- or 100-mesh
Feldspar . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-35 screen--perhaps twice t h r o u g h the Glaze A. clear glossy, cone 8-10
Clay (China or ball) . . . . 25-55 100-mesh. T h e process mixes the slip Feldspar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25c~
Flint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-10 well a n d m a k e s it s m o o t h , a n d this is Whiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
F o r c o n e 3-7. the f o l l o w i n g ranges sufficient for an a r t potter. A slip can Kaolin . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
may help: be processed to a g r e a t e r extent. If the Flint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
A B C D m i x t u r e is p u t in a ball mill the result Glaze E, clear glossy, cone 8-10
Clay . . . . . . . . 80% 40% 45% 57% will be v e r y satisfactory. Feldspal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42%
Whiting . . . . . 8 5 0 8 I f ball clay s o m e t i m e s is used in the Whiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Flint . . . . . . . . 12 35 10 21 recipe, it s h o u l d be m i x e d first w i t h Kaolin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Feldspar . . . . . 0 20 0 14 w a t e r a n d s c r e e n e d to e l i m i n a t e sand Flint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Cornish stone. 0 0 45 0 and carbonaceous material. (Continued on page 34)
MAY, 1957 25
the
OWL
and the
PUSSYCAT
sculpture
that starts
on the wheel
by MARY KRETSINGER
2b
1 2 ;I
1. CAT: The basic form is a low cylinder 18 inches tall and I/4-inch up with small pellets of clay. 3. Yellow slip covers the cat. Lines
thick, thrown from heavily-grogged clay. 2. Slab shapes for chest, scratched through (sgraffito) expose the red clay underneath.
thighs, paws, etc. are fitted closely to the cylinder. Head is built Bands of other colors are brushed on.
firing clav a n d 1 part grog was used. then the area was covered with a the slips are modified considerably.
This s a m e clay was also used for the contrasting-colored slip. W h e n leather W h a t e v e r the glazes a n d slips to be
slab parts. T h e slabs were p r e p a r e d hard, the surface was lightly scraped, used, it is always a good idea first to
with great care, the clav being leaving the lines filled with the slip. run test tiles so that reactions can be
thoroughly wedged to eliminate air O t h e r colors were then a d d e d bv " p i n n e d d o w n " precisely. T h e n values
bubbles a n d rolled in several direc- brushing slips (underglazes could be can be m o r e easily controlled a n d dis-
tions to reduce the chance of w a r p - used for the purpose/ on areas of the a p p o i n t i n g results avoided.
age during firing. Parts cut from the surface. As can be seen, even in b l a c k - a n d -
slabs were a t t a c h e d to the cylinder T h e sculpture was bisque fired to white photographs, color a n d p a t t e r n
with slip m a d e from the same clay. cone 08 and, since no underglazes were introduced freely in the sculp-
T w o different techniques were used h a d been used. it was not necessary ture shown. In designing the f o r m or
in making the incised patterns on the to glaze the pieces. T h e y were simply shape of a piece originally, however,
sculpture. In the case of the cat. the waxed to slightly darken the color one must recognize a certain limita-
technique was sgraffito. T h e body was a n d give protection from d u s t - - a tion. It is best, for both aesthetic a n d
coated with slip and lines were kind of finish to which I a m partial. practical reasons, to plan the form
scratched through the slip to reveal so that it will be completely self-con-
W h e n glazing is desired there are.
the original red-clay color. Bands of tained a n d require the a d d i t i o n of as
however, two transparents (cone 06)
additional color (this can be colored few parts as possible. T h e r e i n is the
which give unusually fine resuhs. O n e
slips or underglazes/ were later brush- key to a h a p p y ending. •
is merely a h a l f - a n d - h a l f mixture of
ed onto the chest a n d other areas. the body clay a n d lead c a r b o n a t e : the The author ackl~owledger with thank~
T h e p a t t e r n of feathers a n d other other is composed of Frit 3 1 9 5 with a the assistance of Harold Bennett, a skill-
small a m o u n t of red iron oxide a d d e d ful thrower and [ormer student, who threw
markings on the owl were defined the basic shapes and aided generally in
bv the mishima technique. This means to give a beautiful a m b e r tone. U n d e r the preparations of the demon~tration~
that the lines were incised in the clay: such glazes, the colors a n d values of presented here.
4 5
1fi
4. OWL is built the same way as the cat. The 20-inch cylinder was smoothed with a rubber kidney and fool. 6. Mishima +echnlque--ln-
thrown in two parts which were stuck together. S. Slabs added cised lines filled with slip--is used to define feathers and further
for wings and head are attached firmly in place with sllp and then accent other markings on the owl.
MAY, 1957 27
Bates: Enameling
Ceramic
Materials and Equipment
( C o n t i n u e d from page 17)
World's finest
TILES
For Decorating
SPECIAL PREPARED BODIES Superb English Tiles, bisque or glazed,
g a u g e does n o t arise. W e soon realize 6" x 6", they're perfect for pleasure . . .
Our business has been expanded to in- or profit.
clude all types of clay bodies--varied col- that, by increasing the counter
ALSO AVAILABLE
ors for s/ip-casflng, throwing and sculpture. e n a m e l , we c a n w o r k o n 2 2 - g a u g e , o r $ TRIVETS, black $ WOODEN
Cones 06 to 8 (art ware and stoneware). e v e n 2 4 - g a u g e , c o p p e r as well as o n iron, rubher-foot- FRAMES
Write for special clay sheet. ed, for 1 and 2 $ TILE BACKS a n d
16-gattge. tiles HANGERS
• WROUGHT IRON
OUR AIM IS QUALITY FRAMES
I have made large lnurals using
J A C K D. W O L F E C O . , I N C . sectional areas made from 22-gauge Write for FREE De.~cr~ptae
62 Horatio St. N.Y.C., N.Y. Price List No. C4
r o o f i n g c o p p e r . T h e s e in t u r n w e r e
( W A 4-6019) SORIANO
Wholesale and Refai: m o u n t e d o n p l y w o o d a n d , in fact, CERAMICS, INC.
w e r e m u c h m o r e easily b e n t i n t o Long Island City 5, N. Y.
s h a p e t h a n if I h a d u s e d 1 8 - g a u g e
copper.
Contact Trinity- F o r all p r a c t i c a l p u r p o s e s , let us say
t h a t 1 8 - g a u g e in e i t h e r f i n e silver o r
SPUN COPPER BOWLS, trays or cups.
Also--stamped circles or squares, plain
for Superior f i n e c o p p e r is s a t i s f a c t o r y f o r a s p u n
b o w l u p to 12 i n c h e s in d i a m e t e r . F o r
or slotted, for Belts and links. Also--card,
match or cigarette Boxes. The Old Viking
a free f o r m , I p r e f e r 16-gauge. I f a Shop, 1236 Delaware Street, Denver 4,
CERAMICand PORCELAIN m o r e g r a c e f u l or d e l i c a t e free f o r m Colorado.
s h a p e is r e q u i r e d , I w o u l d use m e t a l
CLAYS as t h i n as 2 0 - g a u g e , b e i n g sure to in-
crease the counter enamel. SEELEY'S CERAMIC SERVICE
Let us hell) you with your ceramic needs.
R e m e m b e r t h a t t h e d a n g e r of w a r p - We have a complete llne of school supplies
a g e is p r o p o r t i o n a l to t h e n u m b e r of and equipment : slips, clays, colors, kilns,
wheels, tools, brushes, sprayers, pens, and
firings r a t h e r t h a n t h e t e m p e r a t u r e of hooks. Free catalogues to schools and cer-
amic teachers: Ceramic-Molds Enameling.
a n y p a r t i c u l a r firing. T h e t h i n n e r t h e
g a u g e t h e m o r e p r e c a u t i o n is n e e d e d 7 ELM STREET, ONEONTA. NEW YORK
in s u b s e q u e n t firings.
ENAMELING KILN
Choice of Metal
No. 7033
LARGE W O R K I N G I t is c o m z n o n k n o w l e d g e t h a t t, very-
AREA one recognizes and appreciates the
12" x 11" x S" v a l u e a n d i n t r i n s i c b e a u t y of silver
FAST C O M E - U P more than copper. From ancient
TiME P. O. Box 1066 Jacksonville Beach, Fla.
OTHER SIZES for times, t h e c o l o r a n d q u a l i t i e s of g o l d
AMATEUR, PROFESSIONAL and h a v e m a d e it a d m i r e d o v e r all m e t a l s .
New -- from Re-Ward . . . Decor Glaze
INSTITUTIONS F o r this r e a s o n , it is p r e s u p p o s e d t h a t Dui-Mat Glaze Super-l-Stroke
Send for Details o b j e c t s m a d e of g o l d s h o u l d b e a Now available -- Re-Ward's handy Color
THE ELECTRIC H O T P A C K CO., INC. heavier gauge than those made from Chart. Contains 80 actual color chips.
5079 Cotfman St. Philadelphia 35, Po. silver or c o p p e r . T o d a y , h o w e v e r , s u c h NORWEST NOVELTY
a h a r d a n d fast rule is o u t m o d e d . 32840 Northwestern Hwy.
T h e size of t h e o b j e c t a n d t h e Farmington, Mich.
IMPORTED C H I N A SUPPLIES
a m o u n t of m e t a l e x p o s e d in r e l a t i o n
CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
to t h e c o l o r a n d q u a n t i t y of e n a m e l
Write for Free Catalogue are considered the bases for deciding
JAYDARH
A ceramic turquoise stone at cone 09
w h a t g a u g e of m e t a l to use. A m e t a l
C A M P A N A ART CO. of t o o t h i n a g a u g e i n r e l a t i o n m t h e
A self-glazing, one fire, vitreous body in pow-
der form. Excellent for jewelry or inlay. Will
442 N. Wells St., Dept. C, Chicago 10, III. take gold and enamel. Works like clay. Avail-
size of t h e a r t i c l e m a d e f r o m it, re- able also in avocado, chartreuse, blue-green
sults in a c h e a p a n d flimsy article. and white to be colored to suit. Write for
descriptive folder. 4 oz• $I•00, ]fiz lb. $1.50, 1 lb.
T h i s is t r u e of o t h e r m e t a l s as well as $2.50: check or money order. Add 15c p o s t a g e ,
ClAX,
sa~e booth in the center aisle in alloyed gold (18 or 14-carat) when
front of the stage. We'll be glad to
greet and say "Hello" to all our old
and new friends•
s n b j e c t e d to t e m p e r a t u r e s n e e d e d f o r
f u s i n g e n a m e l s . B e c a u s e of t h e soft-
o,,
Marc Bellaire ness of t h e f i n e r m e t a l s , a n d n o t f o r
• . . will be with us again June a e s t h e t i c reasons, t h e s e m e t a l s a r e II II 7s Madison
26-27-28-29 for classes. No one can u s e d i n h e a v i e r g a u g e s t h a n t h e alloys. Seattle 4, Wash,
afford to miss this renowned artist. T h e q u e s t i o n s of h o w thick, h o w
Inquire about reservations at our
booth. heavy, how massive, or how delicate
a metal should be cannot be answered
Jean Leonard
96-24 Corona Ave., Corona, L.I., rq.Y.
..... t h e y m u s t b e r e a l i z e d ( f e l t ) by t h e
a r t i s t as a n i n t e g r a l p a r t of t h e w h o l e
STONEWARE
Slip-Dry-Plastic
design. T h e a r t i s t h i m s e l f m u s t sense
s u c h t h i n g s r a t h e r t h a n rely o n " r u l e s " Data sheets on request
When writing to advertisers Rouse Engineering Co.
please mention CM w h i c h a r e t h e c o n v i c t i o n s of o t h e r
300 Third St. Trenton, N.J.
artists or teachers. •
28 CERAMICS MONTHLY
uestlons
conducted by K E N S M I 1' Ii
~Ij|IB kw z |,'411A'~n I i | :q:lllll~ k~/HD!
Q. Is there something I can add to bottled underglaze to .-_. ' : ... ,: . . ..:..
prez,ent it Item rubbing off a/ter it is painted on green ware? YOU MAY P U R C H A S E THESE A T : Here's What One Customer Says a b o u t
I [ind that my underglaze will come off on my /ingers with only $1.95 for Paper Bound Copies our E n c y c l o p e d i a .
minor handling. $2 95 for DELUXEBook Binding I Your catalog & *'Bible" is getting more valuable to me
A d d 2 5 c f o r D a m e stic Paslage & Packing or I every day- Removed my first batch of tumbled stones
A. U n d e r g l a z e should n o t rub off, a n d as far as we know, 50c for A. P. O.'s, Foreign, or U. S. Territories. ] yeslerdoy and they turned out swell, thanks to your
the " s t a n d a r d b r a n d s " will not. T h e p r e p a r e d u n d e r g l a z e s con- - ts
Thts - a book of 240 PAGES 8/2 i x 11 , • l nstructons n he 'Bbe"
m .
size the equivalent of 480 r e g u l a r textbookl ,. D. Bushey, Bakersfield, Robt.
tain certain materials w h i c h m a k e t h e m quite t o u g h w h e n dry
so t h a t the p a i n t e d decoration c a n s t a n d a reasonable a m o u n t of
h a n d l i n g w i t h o u t s m e a r i n g or r u b b i n g off. Additions to the
underglaze should n o t be necessary.
45ti
too far a p a r t a n d give a sort of s a l t - a n d - p e p p e r effect. T h e r e is
no trouble with 60 m e s h . "
MAY, 1957 2~
MOLDS
manufactured in
OHIO
Dealer inquiries invited.
Cramer Molds
20 years experience in mold making
746 Cherry St. Fosforla, Ohio
30 CERAMICS MONTHLY
cMbriefs
Many hobbyists have prob-
a b l y t r i e d u s i n g a Flit g u n Bee Basch introduces . . .
[ [ |
f o r s p r a y i n g g l a z e s . It w o r k s S o m e t h i n g entirely N E W in the C e r a m i c s
H o me- M ade fine for b a c k g r o u n d s and Field at the E a s t e r n Ceramic S h o w
overspray but if you have
S p r a ye r pie,.es of a n y size or q u a n t i t y , Bib MOLDS FOR CREATIVE CERAMISTS
the hand-operated spray gun
Create your own shapes by com-
is a n y t h i n g b u t p r a c t i c a l . I
bining the following:
h a v e f o u n d a w a y , h o w e v e r , o f t u r n i n g a Flit g u n i n t o a
p o w e r s p r a y g u n w h i c h c a n be a t t a c h e d to a n a i r c o m p r e s s o r
u s e d f o r s p r a y i n g p a i n t . T h i s p i e c e o f e q u i p m e n t c o s t s al-
l n o s t n o t h i n g a n d is h i g h l y s a t i s f a c t o r y f o r a p p l y i n g g l a z e s ,
even coarsely strained glazes.
T r a n s f o r m i n g t h e Flit g u n r e q u i r e s o n l y t h r e e s i n g l e The plain piece Handles, feet, bases
c h a n g e s ( s e e s k e t c h ) . 1. R e m o v e t h e w o o d e n - p l u g a n d without a d o r n- --which change both
plunger-handle assembly from the rear of the sheet-metal ment the appearance and
cylinder; then cement a solid plug of wood into the opening the function
and, from the outside, hammer two tacks through the M r s . B a s e h will g i v e a s l i d e l e c t u r e a t
the workshop of the Eastern Ceramic
c y l i n d e r i n t o t h e p l u g to h o l d it t i g h t l y ( t h i s e n d m u s t be Show, Asbury Park, N.J. Saturday night,
reasonably airtight.) May 4th and Tuesday night, May 7th.
2. H o l d t h e g u n in o n e h a n d , in t h e s a m e p o s i t i o n a s
PODEZWA PATTERNS
it w o u l d be g r a s p e d in a c t u a l u s e . A t t h e p o i n t w h e r e y o u r
Something entirely New in the Decora-
t h u m b h a s r e s t e d o n t o p o f t h e c y l i n d e r , drill a ¼ - i n c h hole. tive Field
3. O n t h e b o t t o m o f t h e c y l i n d e r , d i r e c t l y u n d e r n e a t h A s e r i e s o f o r i g i n a l d e s i g n s to b e e x -
t h e f i r s t hole, drill a s e c o n d hole. I n t h i s o n e s o l d e r a t i r e - ecuted in glaze in one firing. Florence
v a l v e s t e m o r a s t a n d a r d b r a s s c o u p l i n g d e p e n d i n g on t h e Cox, N . J. d i s t r i b u t o r , will s h o w t h e s e
at her booth at the Eastern Ceramic
f i t t i n g w i t h w h i c h y o u r c o m p r e s s o r h o s e is p r o v i d e d . (I u s e d
Show.
a n old t i r e - v a l v e s t e m b e c a u s e t h e h o s e h a s a l i t t l e a d a p t e r Free literature available in August
u n i t f o r u s e in t i r e i n f l a t i n g . ) T h e s t e m o r c o u p l i n g s h o u l d
be l o c a t e d in s u c h a m a n n e r t h a t t h e a i r h o s e , w h e n c o n -
n e c t e d , will d r o p f r e e a n d c l e a r o f t h e h a n d h o l d i n g t h e g u n . Send for our
FREE Catalog!
70 Oak Tree Lane, Rumson, N.J.
-Z
N o w t h i s is t h e w a y to u s e t h e g u n . A t t a c h it to t h e
c o m p r e s s o r , h o l d it in t h e u s u a l p o s i t i o n , p l a c e y o u r t h u m b
o v e r t h e h o l e in t h e t o p o f t h e c y l i n d e r a n d s t a r t s p r a y i n g ;
to stop s p r a y i n g , s i m p l y r e m o v e y o u r t h u m b f r o m t h e hole.
This makes a control valve without equal. With little prac-
tice, t h e o p e r a t o r l e a r n s to f e a t h e r t h e c o n t r o l a c c o r d i n g to
the amount of heaviness of spray desired. And the valve,
h a v i n g no m e c h a n i c a l p a r t s to g e t o u t o f o r d e r , is f o o l p r o o f .
The capillary tube which projects from the gun into
the glass r e s e r v o i r is o f a m p l e size to a l l o w f a i r - s i z e d g l a z e
particles to p a s s t h r o u g h ( t h i s is a d i s t i n c t a d v a n t a g e w h e n
screening of the glaze hasn't been thorough enough). Exclusive fully enclosed, safe design -- no exposed mechanism
T h i s s i m p l e g u n , w h i c h c o s t m e l e s s t h a n a d o l l a r to Whether amateur or skilled artisan . . . you'll find the smooth motorized
c o n s t r u c t , h a s b e e n g i v i n g fine s e r v i c e f o r m o r e t h a n a y e a r . operation . . . ease of control in the BIG, all.steel precision built
MASTER POTTER'S WHEEL enables you to originate beautiful, dis-
It s h o u l d g i v e t h e h o b b y i s t o r o t h e r " o c c a s i o n a l " p o t t e r tinctive pottery excelling anything you've ever done before.
e m i n e n t s a t i s f a c t i o n , too, w h a t w i t h i t s l o w c o s t a n d a b i l i t y Massive steel construction completely encloses mechanism to exclude clay
and moisture . . . assures operator safety and provides vibration-free
to h a n d l e e v e n c o a r s e g l a z e m a t e r i a l s e a s i l y . - - R o s s W h e e l - performance. Other features ordinarily found only in expensive wheels
include: pre.lubrieated bronze bearings for quiet, long service, con-
ton, M e l b o u r n e , F l a . yen ent arm rests, adjustable wedging wire, large 18" thr')wing table
with plenty of working space and a removable water cup. 10" throwing
head has joggles for easy centering, underside reverses for casting
plaster bats.
You have complete hand freedom at all times . . . smooth instant
change of speed from 30 to 15'0 rpm is controlled by a foot pedal.
MAIL IT N O W ! Easy to use, even for handicapped persons. Use any V4 HP motor.
Standard 1./4 HP motor $16.9~ when purchased with Master Potter's
Wheel.
~ ~ . A three-cent stamp can bring you Floor Model. Item 47b, Wt. 90 lbs. Lists at
$175.00 Factory Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $89.95
$$$ if you send us an acceptable Bench Model, Item 47a. Wt. 45 lbs. Lists a~
g125.(m Factory Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~
item. Send your bright ideas to
Ceramics Monthly, 4175 N. High St.,
10 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE ,drw2rl~
Columbus 14, Ohio.
DEPT. 54-~ Burling~on, Wis.
MAY, 1957 31
Grotell Decorates... bination of technical excellence a n d
eternal teachability which makes her
(Continued from page 18) such an inspiring teacher." •
There's excitement Maija Grotell Suggests . . .
she be represented in the currently
Miss Grotell achieves extraordinary color
traveling exhibition, C r a f t s m a n s h i p in
at Asbury Park a C h a n g i n g W o r l d , organized by the
and texture effects by using one glaze on
top of another as shown in the foregoing
new M u s e u m of C o n t e m p o r a r y Arts
article. She has been kind enough to sug-
in New York; m a n y potters who were
It's the Fifth Annual once her students also have works in gest the following glazes [or C M reader~
who wish to try /or similar effects. She
this show. Withal, she has f o u n d time,
cautions, however, that it is not so much
Eastern Ceramic too, for serving frequently on juries
what a glaze contains as how it is used
for craft exhibitions a n d fairs.
that makes the difference; and this, she
C r a n b r o o k A c a d e m y of A r t Gal-
feels, cannot be taught but must be learned
Hobby Show of 1957! leries p u t on a o n e - m a n exhibition of
through experimentation.--Ed.
M a i j a Grotell's pottery in 1952. O n
t h a t occasion her life's work was UNDERCOAT GLAZES
• See exciting displays of new ceramic s u m m e d u p expressively by Eva G a t - I. Cone 8-10
ling w h o was then c u r a t o r of the Albany Slip
equipment & supplies • Watch leading II. Cone 9-10 Parts
galleries : Albany Sllp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54.0
teachers from all over the nation demonstrate "As one looks at the a m a z i n g Feldspar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39.2
their techniques • Hear lectures by CM's variety a n d quality of her p r o d u c t i o n Zinc Oxide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.6
one feels that she must have been born Bentonite . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.8
John B. Kenny, famous author and ceramist Red Iron Oxide . . . . . . . . . . . 4.7
in a p o t shop a n d that she lives beside
• Inspect the work of other hobbyists in a kiln. H e r work . . . records a con- TOP-COAT GLAZES
stant a n d n e v e r - e n d i n g search for new I. Cone 8-9 Parts
the competitive hobby exhibit Feldspar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
effects in color a n d in texture a n d an Flint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
extremely high s t a n d a r d of technical Ball Clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Don't Miss it! May 4-9 excellence. Whiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
" T h e only quality in her work II. Cone 8-9 Parts
which c a n n o t be seen by every visitor Feldspar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Convention Hall ~ A s b u r y Park, N.J. Flint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
is the o v e r p o w e r i n g humility which
Hours: D a i l y - - 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. pervades h e r life a n d work, a humility Whiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Ball Clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Sunday--2 p.m. to 7 p.m. with which only a genius could b e a r Zinc Oxide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Tickets available at the door to live. Yet it is this quality which Tin Oxide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
has forced her into so m a n y avenues III. Cone 8-9 Parts
of e x p e r i m e n t a t i o n . . . a n d it is this Feldspar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
h u m i l i t y which leaves her believing Cornwall Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
that each kiln as it is opened will have Whiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Ball Clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
something to teach her. I t is this c a m - Zinc Oxide ............ 3
32 CERAMICS MONTHLY
people, places & things
AMONG OUR AUTHORS: Free Press, who has lived an a farm four
• Kenneth Bates has two loves--enameling miles from Cranbrook for almost a quarter • NEW Complete Listing of Over
and gardening. And he takes them seriously of a century, jumped at the chance. Mrs. 100 Copper Enamel Colors.
--writing, lecturing and winning many a w a r d s Bemis likes her work at Cranbrook tremen- • NEW Copper Shapes
in both fields. This love of horticulture ex- dously, she reporfs~ "because of the un- • NEW Accessories and Tools
plains the predominance of growing things equaled surroundings (300 beautifully land-
• NEW Larger Selection of RHINE-
in his enamelwork. For him, nature is the scaped acres), the great variety of things STONES for Ceramic Decoration
"only" source for creative thinking and de- to write about, and the quality of faculty and
u NEW Bolo Cords and Findings
sign. students in the institutions." Maiia Grotell
No small factor in Cleveland's reputation about whom Mrs. Bemis writes in this issue • NEW Step by Step Copper Enam-
eling Home Study Course, Now
as a contemporary art enameling center, teaches at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, available. Written by Top Enam-
Mr. Bates recently completed his 30th year one of the six Cranbrook institutions. eling T e a c h e r - - M a r i o n Colston.
as a teacher of design at the Cleveland In- Send NOW for FREE folder.
stliute of Art. He lives in Euclid, a suburb
of Cleveland, with h~s wife--their three GREAT LAKES • NEW SUPPLEMENT-~2 NOW READY
children are grown and away from home. He HOBBY EXHIBITION
The Great Lakes Ceramic Hobby Exhibi- Sent with Enameling & Jewelry Supply
has a model studio there where a great
tion (Conrad Hilton Hotel, Chicago, May Catalogue ~ 6 97 pages in all--send
deal of his prize-wlnnlng work is accomplished.
26-30) is featuring a new idea this year. In 25c to cover handling. ~ ~
Kenneth Bates once said, "Unless at the
age of fifty, a craftsman is more inspired, addition to the usual dealer exhibits and the
more excited with the newness of his craft hobby competition, will be a comprehensive
Department CMA
and the possibilities of experimentation in program of instruction. Not only witl there
that medium than he was at 2S, if has been be large scale demonstrations, but also small
a useless struggle." classes on every phase of making and decor-
It is obvious that his career has been no ating ceramic ware.
useless struggle. In I%1, his (now well-known) Participating in this program are twenty- I 300 S. W. 17}h Avenue, Miami, Florida
five well-known teachers. Included will be
book, "Enameling Principles and Practice,"
was published-- the first to appear on the the four Ceramics Monthly regulars pictured ff f f f f
subject in fifty years. The book now is in its below.
fifth edition. Kenneth Bates' enamels are
represented in 13 museums and numerous
private collections.
Although he has several favorites among
STUDIOS!
his enamels, he states that he has yet to If you want to LEAD
make the piece which he prefers above all FOLLOW TRENDS
the others.
by
• Henry Bollman had his first taste of
ceramics during his college days at Harvard.
CREEK-TURN
"If was because the lectures in Greek art
came at a convenient fime of the day, that
I found myself with a fair knowledge of the
FIRST with
ceramics of ancient Greece." Proud possessor Jumbo Lighters & Inserts
of a keen sense of humor and aiways ready
with a quip, he adds "1 was particular-
ly interested in the Greek vases in which the FIRST with
satyrs pursue maidens round and round in Swivel Pens & Molds
most interesting ways--and now and then
pursue each other."
CM regulars participating in the Great Lakes now ANOTHER FIRST with
Mr. Bollman became interested in pottery
Show are I. to r. Zena Hoist, Marc Bellaire, PEPPERMILLS & MOLDS
again in 1945, when illness forced him to
John Kenny and Edris Eckhardt.
take a long rest. This time he actually got
his hands covered with clay and he com- Be o u r D I S T R I B U T O R
ments happily "I haven't gotten it off since!" The special classes are scheduled to run
from 8:00 AM to I:00 PM from Monday
Be o u r D E A L E R
He opened his own studio-by-the-sea in East
Gloucester, Mass. Here he makes pottery through Thursday.
Arthur Higgs, the managing director of Get the FEEL of being
and mosaics--in recent months, most of his
the Exhibition, informs us that these classes FIRST with
efforts have gone into file tables.
are being made available in response to
• When the officials of Cranbrook Institu-
tions, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, were Iook-
many requests for opportunities to work
closer with the various experts. There will
CREEK-TURN
ing for a public relations director in 19SB
they did not have to go far afield. Their
be a nominal fee far registration at these
classes. For full details, write to Mr. Higgs
PRODUCTS
Hainesport, New Jersey
neighbor, Marian Halden Bemis, professional at 414 N. Jefferson, Bay City, Michigan.
writer and former art editor far the Detroit (Continued on page 34)
MAY, 1%7 33
MOLD KIT FOR MOSAICTILES Strictly Stoneware Ceram-Activities
(complete work;rig equipment) ( C o n t i n u e d /ram page 24) ( C o n t i n u e d /ram page 33)
Pouring Mold Size #1--3.,~ x 3~ in.
(holds 64 tiles) AN IMPORTANT MEETING: "craftsmen To-
Adhesives--Nippers--Tweezers--Grout Matt 22, c o n e 8 - 1 0
Full Instructions--Pouring--Cutting-- day" will be the over-all theme of the First
parts
Glazing and Application Annual Conference of American Craftsmen to
Feldspar .................. 84.2
$6.50 post paid (east of Mississippi) be held June 12-14 af Asilomar, Monterey
Flint ....................... 54.4
M A N Y NEW MODERN MOLDS Peninsula, Calif. The conference is being held
Clay ........................ 20.0
First Time Shown at A s b - r y Park Show to give those seriously ~nferesfed in crafts a
Whiting ................. 35.4
FREE FOLDERS NEW NUMBERS-- Basic understanding of the place of the
CATALOG 25c M a g n e s i u m m a t t , c o n e 9-11 craftsman in contemporary society. Profes-
sional craftsmen from this country and
Ruth Denlce Laue,, Inc. Feldspar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41%
Colemanite ................. 12 abroad will lead discussions. Among the well-
145-04 Jamaica Ave. Jamaica 35, N.Y. Dolomite ................ 7 known craftsmen taking part in the three-
Talc ...................... 15 day meeting will be F. Carlton Ball, Daniel
Ball c l a y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Rhodes, Marguerite Wildenhain, Virgil Can-
Flint ...................... 20 tinl, Antonio Priefo, Peter Voulkos, and Edrls
Eckhardf.
S a t i n m a t t , c o n e 7-9 Each day of the conference, a different
parts aspect of the main theme will be treated.
Feldspar .................. 56.1 "The Soeio-Economic Outlook" will be the
N e p h e l i n e syenite . . . . . . . . . . . 15.4 topic of the first day's discussion, which will
Whiting ..................... 13.3 revolve around the evolution of all aspects
Kaolin ...................... 8.6 of craftsmanship in our technological a g e - -
Barium carbonate ........... 6.6 its relation to art, to the needs of men, to
philosophy, and to industry.
Bright transparent glazes allow Geared fo highlight new avenues of ap-
colors to show well but in general proach and experimentation, the second day
look gawdy and are hard to use for will be given to discussion of "Design: Its
good artistic pottery. The matt glazes, importance and its relation to techniques."
allowing the engobe colors to bleed "Professional practices" will be the final
N E W 81/: " x 11" M o n t h l y M a g a z i n e through or show through, usually give topic for discussion. This topic will include
The C H I N A DECORATOR an excellent effect which can be used the entire range of problems confronting the
"Keramic Studio" style, designs, articles
for China Decorating. Beginners; Advanced; easily for producing good pottery. • professional craftsman in the distribution of
Studios. Designs by best artists all deco- his production, including ethics and philos-
rating methods. Studio discounts. Adver-
i s i n g bringing wonderful results. $3.75 yr. ophy in relation to business.
$7.00 two yr. Also CHINA P A I N T I N G
BOOK $4.25.
Stoneware Questionnaire Further information about the conference
N E T T I E E. P I L L E T
~41 Barrows Crt. Pasadena, California. may Be obtained from the American Crafts-
• I love salt-glazed pottery. I have heard
t h a t y o u s h o u l d n o t t r y to salt g l a z e in a
men's Council, 29 West 53rd St., N.Y.C.
r e g u l a r kiln. I s this r i g h t ? C a n y o u salt
g l a z e in a n e l e c t r i c kiln if it is u s e d o n l y
CONTEMPORARY CRAFTS: By an intimate
CERAMICS for that purpose? Would you write about manner of display (see photo), the Midland
I' I n s t r u c t i o n s , supplies, Ceramic and 4
b China Firing, finished and greenware 4 t h e s a l t - g l a z i n g p r o c e d u r e ? - - M R S . A.W.W., (Mich.) Art Association sought to avoid the
~. DISTRIBUTOR 4A DENVER, COLO.
R E - W A R D A N D D O B E GLO
I like salt glazed pots too, a n d I like
HAZEL HURLEY STUDIO your question [or it is one that is asked
F 1 8 0 3 Prince St.. Downers Grove, Ill. 1
most often and needs a clear and e m p h a t i c
l'hone \Voodhtnd 8-0719 4
reply.
Salt glazing is good only at cones 3 to
lO, so low temperatures are not worth con-
FREE ~o Teachers! sidering. Salt glazing, because of its de-
Send for leaflet on complete set-ups for structive results, m u s t be done in a
art and ceramic supplies. Please mention s p e c i a l l y c o n s t r u c t e d kiln. Salt glazes every
grades you teach. inch of the inside o[ a kiln and all cracks
Headquarters for complete llne of ce- in the brick, seeming to dissolve the brick.
ramlc and art supplies for schools. S o m e insulation brick turns to b r o w n glass.
Buffalo Ceramic & Art Supply Center Fire brick m a y turn to a celadon glaze.
437 M Franklin St., Buffalo 2, New York Silicon carbide kiln f u r n i t u r e boils and
destroys pots set on it in a salt glazing.
Only a kiln fired with gas, oil, coal or
w o o d will work /or salt glazing. A salt kiln
in a building is disastrous. T h e sodium
Model Ceramics
MANUFACTURERS OF:
vapors always get into the room, corroding
metal a n d destroying expensive fixtures.
Pottery fired to a cone 08 bisque in a
salt kiln is affected enough by the revoli- feeling of separating works of art from its
Kilns tization o~ sodium [ram the kiln walls to
ruin the surface o[ the pots [or any ordi-
enioymenf by the viewers. The travelling
show, "Craftsmanship in a Changing World,"
Clay nary glaze application, so you should not
put salt into your kiln or even y o u r clay. attracted craft and ceramic classes from
distant parts of the state.
Slip I n other words, salt glazing is a very
special process to be carried on in a special
kiln. I t is difficult to control and standard- CLOSED FOR ALTERATIONS: On April 1,
Write for Catalog--Wholesale & Retail ize and there are no ways to suecess[ully the Cleveland Museum of Art was temporar-
764 N. M A I N ST. AKRON, O H I O improvise or substitute a type o[ potter), ily closed in order to complete a new multi-
kiln [or a salt glazing kiln.
Re-Ward Distributor A t some [uture date I hope to write a- milllon-dol[ar wing and adapt certain parts
bout salt glazing in detail.--F.C.B. ( C o n t i n u e d on page 36)
34 CERAMICS MONTHLY
OVERGLAZE PAGE
by ZENA HOLST
not grainy; then dust and spread mixture of the essential oils (one with-
over the areas of the dry medium (the out fat oil). After cleansing the brush
medium will hold a very light a m o u n t each time you change from one color
of the glaze, enough for the gloss to another, you can keep it well oiled
finish). T h e powder may be applied with the m e d i u m for smoother paint-
with either a small piece of soft cot- ing if you use the right medium.
ton or a camel-hair brush. After allow- Alcohol evaporates fast and you
ing the powder to fall on the area to should not dip into it while painting
be covered, push the powder around or use it for thinning the paints as one
until the medium holds all it will re- might use turpentine. It is better to
tain. Be careful to do the dusting with have a small flat container of oil of
light pressure so as not to scratch the lavender h a n d y for oiling the brush
surface of the medium. Brush off after each cleansing with alcohol.
'.'bY ~95 ~ 35
Itinerary
CERAMASTONE (Continued lrom page 10)
JEWELRY MIX A Self-Glazlng Clay
Mix With Water--Fire A t Cone 06
Turquoise, Dark Blue, Chartreuse, Gun- O H I O , CUYAHOGA FALLS
metal, White, Beige Pink, Purple, Spring May 17-19
Yellow & Brawn Ohio District Ceramic & H o b b y Show
I/2-1b. portion--S1.00; instructions included at the Chesterfield Hotel Inn. May, 1957
NEW--Handbook of Jewelry Making E~
Design featuring CERAMASTONE--$1.0$ O I IIO, rI'oLE, DO
SPECIAL--Handbook Free With $5.00 B & I Mfg. Co . . . . . 2
Order. Please Specify Colors. May 5-May 96 Basch, Bee, Designs 31
(Postpaid Cont. U.S.--Colo. Res. odd 2°/~ 39th A n n u a l Exhibition of Toledo Area
Artists, sponsored by the Toledo Feder- Bergen Arts & Crafts . 33
Se!es Tax)
ation of Art Societies. at the Toledo Buffalo Ceramic & Art Supply Center 34
The Pottery Workshop M u s e u m of Art. Campana Art C o . . . 28
CHIPITA PARK, C O L O R A D O PENNSYLVANIA, PItlLAI)ELPHIA Ceramichrome Laboratories 7
May 17-June 9 Copper Shop, the 35
" T r e n d s in Philadelphia Sculpture" ex- Craftools, Inc. 35
hibition sponsored by the Philadelphia Cramer Molds 30
Art Alliance, 251 South Eighteenth St. Creek-Turn Pottery 33
~VAStIINGTON, SEATTLE Detroit Fabricating Corp. 12
M a y 1 - M a y 22 Drakenfe/d . . . . . . . . 11
" A m e r i c a n Jewelry and Related Ob- Duncan Ceramic Products e;
jects." Smithsonian Institution Traveling Electric Hotpack Co., Inc. 28
Exhibit at Seattle Historical Society. Galaxy ......... 28
G r e a t Lakes Exposition Cover 2
Ceram-Activities Grieger's Inc . . . . . . . 29
(Continued from page 34) Grohs, Mary, Decals . . . . 30
Harrison, the Kay, Studios 10
of the present building for future use. Harrop Ceramic Service Co. 3
The Mu:eum's M a y Show v.,i!l be held ;r
ADHESIOLYTE the old Art School on Juniper Road from
Hart Ceramic Supply . 32
n e w apoxy adhesive Holland Mold Shop 2
Cernmio to metal--Cer~mic to w o o d May 15 through June 23.
$1.25 for 30 grams (25c for small sample) House of Ceramics 9
If is estimated that the Museum and the Hurley, Hazel, Studio 34
Jewelry Molds--Beffer Findings
new wing will be opened early in 1958. Illlni Ceramic Service 2. 30
PATTYPRINT POTTERY
14826 CharJevoix Detroit 15, Mich SUMMER CRAFT V A C A T I O N S Kiln-Card ........... 28
The Society of Vermont Craftsmen is spon Klopfensfein, H. B. & Sons 12
sarong courses in pottery, copper enameling L. & L. Mfg. Co . . . . . 5
and o~her crafts July 8-Aug. 30 a,~ Fletcher Lauer, Ruth Denice~ Inc. 34
Farm Craft School, Ludlow, Vt. Each course Lehrhaupts, the . 30
will be hen Monday through Frlda/ for c Leonard, Jean 28
two-week period. Write Mrs. Leona Pherps, Mason instrument Co. 34
Soeie~y of Vermont Cralf:men, Dept. 3 Master Mechanic Mfg. Co. 31
Br~sdol, Vt, for details. Mayco Colors 12
Model Ceramics . 34
Crafts at Gafllnburg: Kenneth F. Bates of Mullendore, F.P. 30
Cleveland is scheduled to teach enameling Norwesf Novelty 28
4fh • n n u • l again this summer at the Craft Workshop at Old Viking Shop 28
36 CERAMICS MONTHLY
i
The CM Handbook On
Copper Enameling.
Now in Its 2n~yinting
ADDRESS
~
CITY ZN
Residents: add 6c Sales T a x per copy.
STATE
oRDER TODAY
ose [] Cheek [] Money order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other
PRE-PUBLICATION ORDER
C E R A M I C S M O N T H L Y BOOK D E P T .
.1175 N. H i g h St., Columbus, Ohio
Nnme
Address