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.

[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!

[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.

[not-justagirl.livejournal.com]

omg.... such a shame that all that work is for naught... but they're oddly beautiful...

[copper-oxide.livejournal.com]

Like Mercy said, an interesting texture. If I was working under a deadline I would be upset, but since I am not I will just do them over again. It really is the process rather than the product that counts.

[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.

[daedin.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you posted these pictures, I've always wondered what a frozen piece looks like! Interesting texture, to be sure. Have you replaced your front window yet or is that waiting for reliable delivery/installation now?

[ornerie.livejournal.com]

ok, color me wierd but I kinda like the texture. does it render the pot unusable? if you fire it will it explode?

[copper-oxide.livejournal.com]

We taped some plasticine over it. It looks crappy of course, but it is at least keeping the cold out. It's only one panel at least.
My road is only open to the very daring, so I can't get workmen in or things delivered, so it will be like that until the thaw.
I'm thinking of replacing the window myself. I ask myself "WWDD" (What would Daedin do?_

[copper-oxide.livejournal.com]

Clay can do such amazing textures.

Nope, it's going to collapse as soon as the ice melts.
The water expands (of course, you know science better than I do) when it freezes, then the freezing seems to redistribute the water; it breaks up the clay. Then when it melts the ice-opened holes stay opened, the melted water re-wets the clay and it collapses.
I suspect the ice in the clay attracts some water in the air too. It definitely seems wetter after it's collapsed.

Clay has to be completely dried before it's fired in the kiln so if I put it in wet it would explode.

[ornerie.livejournal.com]

too bad...I really kinda dig the bumpity texture!