pottery with imbeded ice crystals

[morgaina]

We only got an inch or two of snow last night, very manageable. But the mercury did drop and it was quite cold. Upon starting to warm the studio this morning I saw that the pots I threw yesterday froze.
Darn.
Also frozen were some that I had trimmed and were drying. I was going to switch to white clay tomorrow, now that the red pots made are destined to be a pile of slip I don't know.

poor pitcher, so cold


Unless I am under a deadline these aren't considered disasters. Ruined pots just means I get to make them again.

I don't believe I'm marooned, I'm pretty sure I can get into town today, dancing_guru is going to help me bring the Trooper back to the house. I hope it is all raring to go after seeing the car Doc.

Comments

[aurorasong.livejournal.com]

I've never had it happen, so what, exactly does freezing do to ruin green ware? I'm guessing that ice crystals being larger than the water they come from probably mess with the structure of the clay. Does it slump as it thaws? If it stayed frozen long enough to dry completely, would it still slump, or would it just be more porous than normal?

By the way, I still need your address for that book.

[copper-oxide.livejournal.com]

Your first guess is correct. The water in the clay freezes and expands, so the shape of the pot is comprimised, then the pot collapses after it thaws. Or with a less heavy freeze just has some open areas as if it's been cut all over. The clay itself isn't harmed, of course, it's spent eons in nature, but it does have to be re-wedged before using again because the moisture is then distributed unevenly throughout the clay.

[doll-paparazzi.livejournal.com]

That's really interesting. Is there anyway that this pot could be saved? Like a fast drying? I mean, if it crack, who cares right? Maybe it would have a very interesting texture if there was anyway to fast dry without it slumping. I think cuts would = a cool effect.

[copper-oxide.livejournal.com]

Nope, it's just easier to re-make it. When the ice melts the shape goes, the water is either, frozen, or melted until it goes through the kiln. Makes the body more plastic though.
The ice crystals are all the way through the body, so it's beyond texture. Try thowing a pot then when it's still wet put it in your freezer then take it out after it's frozen to see what happens.

[mistresshuette.livejournal.com]

Hroar agrees with Morgaina. Once a pot that has just been thrown freezes it is beyond redemption to save. He has had this happen to him a couple of times, during his long career. But he also said that the clay doesn't have to become slip either. It can be wedged and left out to dry a bit and can be thrown again, when the temps are warmer.

[copper-oxide.livejournal.com]

About my address, I'll send it right away. I was waiting for after the holidays. I'm not sure about our mail delivery right now. But it is worth a try. I am so excited to see the book!