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CRYSTALLINE GLAZED PORCELAIN |
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Paul has been experimenting with the magic and mystery of cystalline glazing since being introduced to the technique at a workshop in New Mexico during the summer of 2001. It is a vast departure from our low-fire earthenware sgraffitto, and raku-fired works. The Crystalline process involves the use of high-fire porcelain clay, zinc-oxide based glazes and a different kiln-firing technique to spur the formation and growth of crystals on the pottery.
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At peak firing temperature (cone 10) Crystalline glazes become fluid and can run down the sides of the pot. Separate porcelain " catching basins" have to be created and placed under the pottery to catch the running glazes, but they often become fused to the pottery after cooling. They have to be carefully "tapped" off the pottery, which sometimes results in loss of the pot, a price one has to sometimes pay in pursuit of crystalline perfection. |
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Right: Once peak temperature of 2348 F has been reached, the kiln is cooled rapidly (by removing peephole plugs) to 1950 F and held at that temperature for about 3 hours to allow for crystal growth. |
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