The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors

Book excerpt: Explore the creative possibilities of this incredibly versatile range of glazes with this comprehensive guide for ceramic artists of all levels. Unlock the world of low-fire glazes with The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors. Potter, podcaster, and author of Mastering the Potter’s Wheel, Ben Carter, challenges the belief that serious artists work exclusively with high-temperature materials, sharing years of research on crafting exquisite low-fire pots and glazes. Delve into the benefits of firing at lower temperatures, explore the visual nuances of low-fire glazes, and witness renowned artists thriving in this temperature range. Illustrated with stunning photography of work by Carter and other artists, this visually captivating resource covers: Insights into the benefits and visual attributes of low-fire glazes Guidance on setting up a glaze lab An explanation of how glaze is formulated Troubleshooting tips for common glaze faults Designing and making test tiles Techniques for layering, using glaze as form, integrating decals, atmospheric firing, and more Tried-and-true glaze recipes—from gloss to satin, matte, and tin—for varied finishes and color creation Whether you are new to the world of ceramic glazes or looking to expand your knowledge of low-fire glazes, The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes is your path through a world of artistic possibilities. The Mastering Ceramics series is for artists who never stop learning. With compelling projects, expert insight, step-by-step photos, and galleries of work from today’s top artists, these books are the perfect studio companions. Also available from the series: Amazing Glaze, Amazing Glaze Recipes and Combinations, Mastering Sculpture: The Figure in Clay, Mastering Kilns and Firing, Mastering Hand Building, and Mastering the Potter’s Wheel.