Title
Out Of The Earth, Into The Fire: A Course In Ceramic Materials For The Studio Potter
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A Course In Ceramic Materials For The Studio Pottermimi Obstler'S Out Of The Earth, Into The Fire Studies Glazes By Examining The Connection Between The Ceramic Raw Materials And The Surface Of A Ceramic Form. This Book Presents A Twofold Approach To The Study Of Claybodies And Glazes That Is Both Empirical And Historical In Nature. It Is Empirical Because It Seeks To Create And Understand Ceramic Surfaces In Terms Of A Handson Experience With The Primary Minerals Of Our Earth. It Follows A Historical Approach In Its Focus On A Single Mineral As The Core Of The Glaze Or The Claybody.Since Only Handson Testing Produces The Information Needed To Really Understand Ceramic Materials, This Book Is One Of The Most Valuable Resources For Potters Who Want To Develop A True Mastery Of Their Materials.The Approach Used In The Book Does Not Deny The Validity Of More Technologically Advanced Methods. Obstler Maintains That Computer Glaze Software Provides Valuable Information After The Potter Is Familiar With The Working Properties Of The Ceramic Materials Of Her Or His Glaze. In Out Of The Earth, Into The Fire, Glaze Calculation Techniques Are Viewed As Useful Diagnostic Tools For The Solution Of Glaze And Claybody Problems Or Substitutions, Rather Than As An Essential Means For The Creation Or Understanding Of Ceramic Surfaces.There Are Only Four Chapters In The The Book, But They Exhaustively Cover The Materials You Need For A Good Understanding Of Each Topic. Chapter 1 Discusses Glaze Cores Such As Feldspars And Rocks, And Also Includes Lithium Glaze Cores, Volcanic Ash Glaze Cores And Rotten Stone. Obstler Concludes This And Subsequent Chapters With Labs Delineating Specific Tests You Can Run And What To Observe. This Testing Is Key To Understanding How All These Materials React When Fired.In Chapter 2, Clays And Claybodies, You'Ll Discover The Unique Characteristics Of Different Types Of Clays: Kaolins, Ball Clays, Stoneware, Fireclays, And Ironrich Clays. Obstler Here Maintains That If Pottery Is To Thrive, We Must Understand The Nature Of Clays, And She Provides Ample Information. Each Type Of Clay Is Discussed Including The Characteristics, Its Claybody Function, And Its Glaze Function.Chapter 3 Discusses Auxiliary Melter Materials Added To The Glazecore To Help It Achieve A Greater Melt And Fusion. There Are Many Different Kinds Of Melters, But At Stoneware Temperatures, It Is The Limestone Or Calciumbased Melters That Are Most Important For The Stoneware Glaze. The Internal Oxide Structure Of Limestone Is Mostly Calcium Carbonate, Which Turns Into Calcium Oxide During The Firing Process. For This Reason, Whiting, Wollastonite, Dolomite, Gerstley Borate And Colemanite Receive Primary Attention In This Chapter.Rounding Out The Critical Components Are The Auxiliary Silica And Alumina Minerals Discussed In Chapter 4. In Discussing Silica, Obstler Touches On The Qualities It Lends To A Glaze: Hardness, Glassmaker, Crystalline Formation And The Effect On Fluidity And Melt. Alumina Posseses Many Unique Properties As Well And These Are Covered In Depth.In Addition To Detailed Descriptions Of The Components Of Glazes And Claybodies, Obstler Includes Scores Of Recipes And Images Of Fired Examples In Low, Midrange And High Fire Work. The Emphasis Of Out Of The Earth, Into The Fire Is On What Makes A Glaze And How All The Components Work Together. The Book Can Be Used As A Course Book And Followed Systematically From Beginning To End, Or As An Invaluable Reference Book To Explore Any Single Element. A Must Have For Any Studio.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book has three hundred seven pages. It offers detailed insights into ceramic materials and their applications.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type is hardcover. This ensures durability for frequent use in a studio setting.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The dimensions are eight and a half inches by ten and three-quarters inches by three-quarters of an inch. These measurements make it a manageable size for reading and reference.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Mimi Obstler. She provides a comprehensive study of glazes and claybodies for potters.
- Q: What topics are covered in the book? A: The book covers ceramic raw materials, glazes, claybodies, and specific testing methods. It combines empirical and historical approaches.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in pottery? A: Yes, the book is suitable for beginners. It offers foundational knowledge and practical tests to enhance understanding of ceramic materials.
- Q: Can this book be used as a reference for experienced potters? A: Yes, experienced potters can use it as a reference. It includes recipes and detailed descriptions of materials and their interactions.
- Q: How can I apply the techniques learned from this book? A: You can apply the techniques by conducting hands-on tests with the materials discussed. The book provides lab activities for practical learning.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for children? A: No, the book is not specifically designed for children. It is intended for studio potters and those seriously interested in ceramics.
- Q: How should I store this book to keep it in good condition? A: Store the book upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and moisture to maintain its condition.
- Q: Are there any safety precautions mentioned in the book? A: Yes, the book emphasizes safe handling of ceramic materials and provides guidance on testing methods. Following these guidelines is crucial for safety.
- Q: What if I receive a damaged copy of the book? A: If you receive a damaged copy, contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most retailers have policies for handling such issues.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, books typically do not come with warranties. However, check with the retailer for their specific return policy.
- Q: Can I find recipes for glazes in this book? A: Yes, the book includes numerous recipes for various glazes. These recipes are designed to help potters experiment with different materials.
- Q: What kind of materials does the book focus on? A: The book focuses on minerals used in glazes and claybodies, including feldspar, limestone, and silica. Each material's properties and uses are thoroughly explained.
- Q: Is the information in this book up to date? A: Yes, the information is relevant for contemporary potters. It combines traditional methods with modern insights into ceramic materials.