More playing with oxides

Following my early experiments with oxides, I went on to create a new group of ceramic forms, mainly using porcelain paperclay, with a smaller number made from stoneware. Approximately half of the pieces were sent for stoneware firing, the results of which are shown in this post, while the remaining pieces went into reduction firing and are still awaiting their outcome.

So far, the results have been very much a mixed bag. I am absolutely delighted with the copper carbonate on the stoneware slab-built vase, finished with a transparent glaze. The effect is stunning, particularly where the surface is heavily marked. Toward the top of the vase the glaze has pinholed and bubbled in an unexpected but very attractive way, adding further interest to the surface.

I’m also pleased with the stoneware bark effect achieved using a mixture of iron oxides. On reflection, I might have added a small amount of copper oxide to deepen the colour and create a darker overall effect. That same iron oxide mix has worked beautifully on the porcelain paperclay shell figure, where it enhances the form without overpowering it.

Not everything has been successful. The cobalt has been applied too richly on three of the paperclay pieces, and going forward I would use a much weaker wash. The copper oxide and copper carbonate pieces that have returned from reduction firing are interesting, but somewhat disappointing so far, tending toward dark browns and near-black tones. I continue to hope for hints of red in copper reduction firings, but for now these remain elusive.