China Paint and Overglaze Book and Any Takers for Special Request Pots
China Paint and Overglaze by Paul Lewing
This is a follow up to my posts on hand made ceramic decals here and here and my subsequent search for lead free over glazes a few weeks ago. I found several references to Paul Lewing’s book (above) online and decided to take a look for myself. The book wasn’t available from any libraries in the Denver metro area, but I was able to use the Inter Library Loan system and have a week to peruse the book courtesy of Southern Utah University.
I quickly flipped to the pertinent sections on decals, homemade recipes for over glazes as well as a review of commercial leaded and lead free overglazes. The findings are interesting – according to some of the leaching tests that Lewing performed, some of the lead free over glazes tested higher for acceptable lead and cadmium levels than the traditional leaded version. Granted he used a signicant amount of over glaze for his tests which may not be entirely accurate. His conclusions include the possibility that the same equipment is used by manufacturers who produce both types of underglaze.
Lewing recommends having work leach tested if one plans on using overglaze on functional work that comes into contact with food. Decals made using lead free overglaze should probably be used on the exterior of work as a decorative element rather than in direct contact with food. While I did glance through the rest of the book, I hope I can find time to read some of the sections more thoroughly before I have to return the book to the library. It contains a fascinating history on the practice of china painting and includes both traditional practitioners as well as more contemporary applications from artists such as Kurt Weiser, whose work I adore.
I still plan on ordering some lead free overglaze from Reusch in the near future – but those experiments are on hold until I finish cranking work out for the Colorado Potters Guild Fall Show in early November.
Stoneware Cannisters for charging batteries
Meanwhile, I sometimes get email requests for work that I don’t make. I decided to post this request on my blog because it may be an interesting proposition for someone else.
“I am looking for ceramic / stoneware pots out of high temperature stoneware clay for the RC hobby person (radio control). In the photo above, the cannisters are used to charge batteries, because there is a risk of the battery catching fire. This is not a decorative item, but more a functional one. These should be strong and capable of withstanding very high temperatures, and about 8 – 10 inches high and 3 – 6 across. A glazed or at least smooth inside would be preferred.
I am not in any rush right now, as I am still in the research stage with this. Initially I would like 2 or 3 examples to evaluate & make changes to, thereafter I would probably order in groups of 10 or so. This would also depend on the unit pricing, as I have a retail price in mind I would like to sell at. If you would not be able to assist me in the manufacture of this item, I would appreciate it tremendously if you could could put me in touch with somebody, or a few people, who might be able to help me.
From the bottom of the pots: Hand made on a potter’s wheel out of high temp. stoneware clay. Fired to 2500 degrees fahrenheit pyrometric cone 11+. It is extremely strong and capable of withstanding temperatures well over 2000 degrees.”
If anyone is interested in pursuing this opportunity, please contact me and I’ll give you the person’s name, email and phone number.
It sounds like an interesting clay application, but given that I rarely fire above ^6, and don’t use stoneware – other than a white porcelainous one, I am passing.
Have a great weekend,
~Cynthia
Deborah Woods
October 11, 2008 at 11:45 am //
Your cups from the last post are really nice. I’m amazed that you can get such crisp looking work handbuilding. I thought they must have been slipcast. If you ever give a workshop nearby on handbuilding, I might just be there.
Cynthia
October 11, 2008 at 2:11 pm //
They’re all handbuilt, though slip casting would be more efficient. I like the process though because I can change out patterns, handle designs and mix it up a bit more. I am now working on about 4 at a time and can complete 4 in about 2 hours – no trimming involved, so they just dry slowly until it’s time to bisque fire them. Think the price per mug will be increasing a bit this sale….
You can see my lino-cut template for a mug in this post.
Linda Starr
October 11, 2008 at 5:55 pm //
Hi Cynthia, it is great of you to post this offer here. A genuinely wonderful gesture. These stoneware battery charging cannisters look a lot like the PVC formed cannisters/vases I recently posted about minus the slot for the electrical cord. This kind of request is similar to some yarn bowls I was asked to make not too long ago. These types of work can only be used for the function they were designed for and there is a lot of up front work in order to develop an acceptable form and subsequent prototype. There is also no guarantee of a sale for the pieces. I often wonder if the amount of time to develop the prototype is worth the time and effort in sales. Although with the yarn bowls I feel I can make them individually and cater to those who make artistic works with their yarn, which somehow appelas to my current creative and handmade bent.
I see why many ceramic artists shy away from custom orders. They are very time consuming, costly, and often times take valuable time away from other work. I think the only way these types of items are cost effective is if they are ordered in bulk. Slipcast stoneware would be the only way to go otherwise the artist would essentially be giving their work away, especially if the items are were sold wholesale.
What a great library resource you have – to be able to preview books before you purchase them. Can’t wait to see what wonderful work you have coming in the wings. I have a feeling you are going to come up with some really great pieces.
I second Deborah’s comment, I would love to attend a workshop on handbuilding if you give one.
Anne W
October 12, 2008 at 8:23 am //
Nice that you got this offer Cynthia. Could potentially be a nice opportunity if the price were right. With the rising cost of fuel (its at least doubled in the last 7 yrs or less), I don’t know too many studio potters these days, except maybe wood firers, who fire to cone 11 and above. Then there’s the liability issue..
Cynthia
October 12, 2008 at 10:31 am //
Good points, Linda and Anne. I think if anyone is interested in pursuing this with the person who requested the custom items, they would have to work out price and details. I personally wouldn’t send a demo pot without being paid for it – so that detail along with wholesale or consignment would have to be addressed. I question whether cone 11 is necessary – cone 10 would probably work as well. I also posted the info at the Colorado Potter’s guild since many members fire to cone 10 regularly. Maybe radio control hobbyists are willing to spend the cash to find what they need – the person who requested this seemed frustrated in his search.
Linda – I’ve seen yarn bowls – great idea! I’ll let you know if I ever do a workshop…
Lynette
October 12, 2008 at 8:03 pm //
Cyn, this sounds like a great opportunity for someone and it’s wonderful that you’re sharing this!
Nancy
October 12, 2008 at 8:08 pm //
Odd request, I mean I never think of storing my batteries in anything other than the cardboard packs they come in. I assume this person buys a lot of batteries. Fun to read what others might want isn’t it?
Cynthia
October 13, 2008 at 8:19 am //
Lynette – it’s not something I normally do, but it sounded interesting for the right person.
Nancy – I think they’re special batteries – and the containers are for charging the batteries which can get hot apparently. I don’t know anything about radio control stuff though…. There truly is a hobby for everyone out there!
Undaunted
October 13, 2008 at 6:22 pm //
I asked my tutor about lead free glazes and he said that these days glazes don’t contain enough lead to worry about – unless you were going to drink the stuff out of a bucket! Maybe glazes are different here? Or… maybe he doesn’t know what he’s talking about??
Cynthia
October 13, 2008 at 7:04 pm //
Hiya Linda – no, I’m referring to “over glaze” or china paint – not regular dipping or brushing glaze. Most commercial glazes are lead free with a few exceptions and are well labeled. I make my own glazes and they’re all lead free and I try not to use other overly noxious chemicals. Over glaze or china paint pigments are typically used on top of glazes and are fired at a very low temperatures. Whereas I normally fire to cone 6 or roughly 2232 degrees F or 1220 C – over glaze is fired to only cone 018 or 752 degrees C. I’ve been trying to find a lead free overglaze to use to screen print ceramic decals and since a lot of my work comes into contact with food, I just want to protect my own health as well as protecting against liability issues. Sort of confusing since there’s so many different types of colorants, glazes, slips, underglazes, engobes, etc.
Undaunted
October 14, 2008 at 6:21 am //
Ooh yes, it is confusing. I have a lot to learn don’t I? Thank you for explaining that to me. I shall continue reading my book this week – it probably explains it all in there doesn’t it? I’m trying to read a chapter a week.