I 'm nearing the end of a batch of firings of some new work. There's been some urgency on my part to supply 3 galleries asking for work- and another wanting replacement stock. A nice problem to have- but a problem nonetheless when you've got no work left to sell.
Once again copper matte has proved as frustrating as ever- but I am confident that I know exactly what I am doing- and what I am doing wrong! This time- the pyrometer played up. Two kiln firings went "kaputt"- the pots went too hot* (above 1050) -(*soaked too long in the kiln) and the copper matte begins to burn out or flux too much- too low- and the reduction happens too quickly and drab colours result in reduction. The pots need to start showing a very slight sheen - this is a good sign. Too little- and the colours are unstable and drab- too much and the colours will also be drab and burned out.
For me 1030-1040 gives the optimum result. I keep stating this- because its so easy to forget when you fire periodically like I do. It's crucial to seal the base of the reduction bin with earth- burping the cannister after 15 minutes. So is watching the copper matte surface begin to "bloom" it's colours -not too much- then re- sealing for between 8-10 minute. Finally whether to reseal or not- and expose to the air. Sometimes this develops the fabled golds and pinks.
That's all there is to it. Even so I still managed to cock up! Despite this some nice pots have emerged.
Note: Some of the glazed raku has worked well- I even managed to achieve some gold...
Once again copper matte has proved as frustrating as ever- but I am confident that I know exactly what I am doing- and what I am doing wrong! This time- the pyrometer played up. Two kiln firings went "kaputt"- the pots went too hot* (above 1050) -(*soaked too long in the kiln) and the copper matte begins to burn out or flux too much- too low- and the reduction happens too quickly and drab colours result in reduction. The pots need to start showing a very slight sheen - this is a good sign. Too little- and the colours are unstable and drab- too much and the colours will also be drab and burned out.
For me 1030-1040 gives the optimum result. I keep stating this- because its so easy to forget when you fire periodically like I do. It's crucial to seal the base of the reduction bin with earth- burping the cannister after 15 minutes. So is watching the copper matte surface begin to "bloom" it's colours -not too much- then re- sealing for between 8-10 minute. Finally whether to reseal or not- and expose to the air. Sometimes this develops the fabled golds and pinks.
That's all there is to it. Even so I still managed to cock up! Despite this some nice pots have emerged.
Note: Some of the glazed raku has worked well- I even managed to achieve some gold...
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