Understanding Pottery: Chapter 1 What is Clay?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 เม.ย. 2020
  • Thank you for watching our video on What is Clay?
    Understanding Pottery is a video series in production by Washington Street Studios. The video series is a digital textbook that will take the viewer through the entire ceramic process from the raw material through the finished ceramic pieces. This is chapter one: What is Clay?
    Have you ever wondered what makes up this material we use to make pots? Are you planning to create your own clay recipe? Learn the fundamental ingredients needed to make a clay useful in the ceramic arts.
    The next video topic in the Understanding Pottery series will be Clay Properties and Drying.
    This video is brought to you by Washington Street Studios, a community pottery studio, gallery and pottery school located in Harpers Ferry / Bolivar, WV. We exist to provide ceramic artists an affordable, fully equipped studio space for aspiring, emerging and established artists to share their creative energy and knowledge in an environment designed to support the ceramic artist. If you want to learn more about Washington Street Studios, visit our website at www.hfclay.com/.
    At Washington Street Studios, we believe the sharing of creative energy and knowledge will improve the quality of our art and increase the appreciation of art within our community. We are striving to create an environment where the arts are shared and appreciated. We want to grow as a family of artists and contribute to our community. This channel is one of our steps to share our passion for the ceramic arts, creative energy and knowledge with other artists and art lovers
    We also created a podcast to expand our audience. If you are looking for an audio version of our show search for ‘The Potters Round Table’ on your favorite podcast platform of choice.
    My favorite special tool sources:
    Bill van Gilder Pottery: www.vangilderpottery.com/onli...
    Troy Bungart: troybungartstudios.com/
    StudioPro: studioprobats.com/
    Channels of interest to potters:
    Bill van Gilder: / vangilderpottery
    Jonthepotter: / @jonthepotter
    Ceramic Jim: / @ceramicjim
    John Britt: / @johnbrittpottery
    Earth Nation Ceramics: / @earthnationceramics
    Simon Leach: / @sleachpots
    Bill Powell: / bpartnd
    Ingleton Pottery: / youdanxxx
    Hsinchuen Lin: / hsinchuen
    Ron Philbeck: / ronphilbeckpottery
    Collin Shadwell: / @collinshadwell

ความคิดเห็น • 162

  • @sonyagirodon9510
    @sonyagirodon9510 3 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    I'm an amateur in ceramics, and was looking for lessons which explained everything about it in a clear and structured way. Thank you for your valuable videos - they are a real treasure for me!

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Welcome to the ceramics community! This series will help you avoid many mistakes we make as beginners. You might consider chapters 1-6, 9, 18, 19, 20 and 25 to get a good basis for making and glazing pottery to have the best chance for success. If you have your own kiln then you may want to include the appropriate kilns and firings chapter, like chapter 15 on electric kilns. Then you can go back to any chapters you have missed. All of the topics are standalone so you can watch them in any order. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask! We are happy to help. Also, please share our library with your friends and fellow potters! And thank you for the encouragement and kind words.

  • @janettewilson5368
    @janettewilson5368 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Wow thank you for explaining this! For the first time I am not confused! You are truly a wealth of information! Please keep making videos!🥰

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks Janette! We have over 20 videos planned for the Understanding Pottery series. It will go from raw clay to finished pots. Subscribe to the channel so you are notified when the new videos are available and thanks for watching!

  • @mallorymyers7525
    @mallorymyers7525 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I'm so excited to find this series. I'll be watching these lectures in full.

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Mallory, hope you enjoy the videos, please share the channel with your friends and fellow potters!

  • @mosseyw
    @mosseyw 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Thanks Phil. I find your presentation interesting, clear and to the point. I have just signed up for a basic membership(currently what I can afford) on your patron channel. 👍

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Thanks for being a patron! Together we will make these videos and our podcasts available to artists, educators and potters free of charge.

  • @TripleRoux
    @TripleRoux 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Thank you so much, I love this series already! Such a helpful way to get a grasp on the basics. Taking many notes and learning a lot!

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Roux McG, you are so early in the series and there is so much more coming your way! We hope you enjoy all the videos. Thank you for your support and kind words. Please share the channel with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow our community!

  • @grandcarriage1
    @grandcarriage1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Beautifully presented, as always

  • @clairebradbury11
    @clairebradbury11 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thank you so much for this series. And thank you for explaining it so clearly that even someone as scientifically challenged as I am can understand it.

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for watching and your encouragement! Please share our channel with your friends or fellow potters to help us grow our community!

  • @Komunika00
    @Komunika00 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Very well explain and so much too learn. I am truly bless by your lecture.
    Thank you and GBU

  • @inguracka
    @inguracka 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Informative, down to the point - pure gold! It is ridiculous that I am paying for local courses but only get a potion of information what is being presented in this course. Thank you for sharing, I am grateful to be able to access it.

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      That makes you the perfect audience! Phil wanted to teach everything you would learn in a BFA/MFA with a focus on ceramics without the actual creation of pottery. Phil taught ceramics at Hood College for years and he wanted to create content for people like me. I have no formal art education and started pottery late in my life. This series really hit the mark! We are happy you are enjoying it, please share it with your friends and fellow potters!

  • @epocaBB
    @epocaBB 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hi, i'm a graphic designer from Turkey and i decided to start making clay beads for my personal projects when i couldn't find any local sellers. Fell in love with it quickly and now i am trying to get a much better understanding of pottery so that i may some day have my own studio hopefully. I found that i enjoy carving the most but i want to get better at glazing. This series is so amazing and enjoyable that i watch them over and over just to make the knowledge sink in as deeply as it can. Thanks a lot for putting these videos up, you have following from all around the world.

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      epocaBB, thank you for the kind words and we hope you continue to find the videos useful and interesting! Please share the channel with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow our international community! Your support and encouragement makes all the difference!

  • @Rick-the-Swift
    @Rick-the-Swift 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This is the most informative and understandable video I've seen on the subject of firing clay. Can't wait to see the rest of your videos! Much appreciated from the clay state of Indiana :)

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you Rick! I'm originally from Illinois and currently live in Maryland. I drive through Indiana every time I go home to see family. If you live close to I70 I've probably gone by your house! Thank you for watching, be sure to share the channel with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow our community! And if you have suggestions for future episodes, let us know.

    • @Rick-the-Swift
      @Rick-the-Swift 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@WashingtonStreetStudios Wow, very cool! I'm a bit further south of I-70, originally from Nashville. I just may have an idea or two for you to consider, and will have to think on that a bit after I watch the rest of your current uploads. That may be a while though as I must admit, less than have way through your presentation when you starting talking about vitrification, I got so excited I paused the video, grabbed a shovel and went to the back yard to dig up a bucket of beautiful red clay I'd been eyeballing for a couple of years now. In pockets, the clay is so rich and red that it can be rolled up to look like a tiny red worm, then wrapped around the pinky without even any flinch of a rupture. Now I just need to figure out what to do with it. :)
      Btw, at 4:00 I was also fascinated to learn that the clay in plates is made of plates in the clay! Try saying that one ten times fast.
      But joking aside, I'll have an entirely new outlook from now on whenever I hear the term "clay plates"! :-D
      Many thanks again!

  • @danielamaschera2054
    @danielamaschera2054 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    🙏Thank you so very much for this series you’re offering. It’s the most useful and informative I’ve found and shall be very happy to support you through Patreon as a recognition for your work. Best wishes from Italy 👋

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Daniela, thank you for your comment and for becoming a patron of the show, you are very generous! If you have any questions or comments, please let us know, especially if you have topics for future videos! I hope all is well with you in Italy!

    • @grandcarriage1
      @grandcarriage1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You must be one of the hard working potters at Valley Arts in Oregon.

  • @pizzatopia
    @pizzatopia 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm so glad i found this channel! I bought a small electric test kiln last year, but i've been slowly educating myself before doing anything ignorant and causing a huge mess or destruction to my equipment. Finally, i fired my first pieces this week, glazed with a 50/50 woodash from my pizza oven, and i think i was partly lucky it turned out ok. This feller really helps to fill in SOOOOO many blanks i have about the basics and lays it out in easy to digest monologue. Excellent work!

  • @ren5715
    @ren5715 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    OMG...you are seriously fantastic!!!! Best videos for beginner potters ever.
    Thank you Thank You
    \

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ren Airie, Thank you for your encouragement! Please share the channel with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow our community.

  • @beastlybombers
    @beastlybombers 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful subject with the world.

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Dan, you are welcome. Please share the channel with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow our community!

  • @Dovid2000
    @Dovid2000 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was an excellent lecture, and it broadened my understanding of this craft of pottery making.

  • @altanab1761
    @altanab1761 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for your work!

  • @hhiippiittyy
    @hhiippiittyy ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This was captivating and thorough.
    You, sir, are an excellent teacher.
    Thank you very much.

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you hhippiittyy, Phil was a good teacher, unfortunately he passed away in July 2021. His legacy is captured in these videos!

  • @ellietornblom7105
    @ellietornblom7105 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    THANK YOU!!!!

  • @dalilgiorgi994
    @dalilgiorgi994 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love you! So clear and instructive thank you

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you Dalil, please share the channel with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow our channel.

  • @beastlybombers
    @beastlybombers 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much.

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Dan Peterson, You are most welcome! If you are just starting the Understanding Pottery series, you are in for a treat. You will experience over 100 videos that cover every topic in a ceramics BFA/MFA program. Enjoy and please share the channel with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow our community.

  • @ralphhelms8641
    @ralphhelms8641 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very clear and helpful!
    Thanks so much

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ralph, we are happy you find the channel useful, please share with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow as a community!

  • @kimazz1
    @kimazz1 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  ปีที่แล้ว

      Phil was a champion and a valued resource. We are fortunate to have captured his knowledge in these videos before he passed.

  • @hisssy
    @hisssy 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Wholeheartedly agree with all comments below. What a treasure of information. Thank you so so much

  • @alisa1472
    @alisa1472 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for this !

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Alisa, I hope you enjoy all the videos on the channel! And please share the channel with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow our community.

  • @karinacampos130
    @karinacampos130 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    all your videos are just perfect! I learn SO MUCH!!!!

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for the encouragement Karina Campos, please share the channel with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow the community!

  • @britiprofi8011
    @britiprofi8011 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much for this series. And thank you for explaining it so clearly 😀

  • @MsZzzipper
    @MsZzzipper ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So very very helpful!! I’ve been looking for this information for months. Thank you!

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  ปีที่แล้ว

      You have many more videos in the series and it should give you a good foundation for everything taught in a BFA program. Enjoy!

  • @DesignEcologies
    @DesignEcologies ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you

  • @AlPal4554
    @AlPal4554 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    These are really fantastic. Thank you.

  • @sionedjones6224
    @sionedjones6224 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fantastic! Thank you!

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sioned Jones, you have soooo many more videos after this one just to finish the 'Understanding Pottery' series! If you like this one, you will love the rest! Please share our channel with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow our community!

    • @sionedjones6224
      @sionedjones6224 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@WashingtonStreetStudios I'm working my way through them, notebook in hand, This is the Ceramics MA I couldn't afford to do.

  • @MsKikidarling
    @MsKikidarling 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is exactly what i was looking for. Thank you so very much!

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The understanding pottery series will take you through all the subjects taught in a typical BFA program. Enjoy the learning and please share the channel with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow our community!

  • @LeanezesRuth
    @LeanezesRuth ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for this. So valuable and rare to find such crucial information.

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for your encouragement and please share with your friends and fellow potters.

  • @marynacotton1297
    @marynacotton1297 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Loving your channel

  • @ahmedbilal6148
    @ahmedbilal6148 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thankyou so much for this information

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ahmed, you are most welcome and thank you for your feedback! Please tell your friends and fellow artists about the channel and enjoy the rest of the videos!

  • @ohvnaq
    @ohvnaq 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    this is a wonderfully informative series! thank you tremendously!

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you, please share the channel with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow our community.

  • @bestbites6705
    @bestbites6705 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent discourse, really interesting talk, perfect presentation, and totally the most incredible model clay particle, sooooo delicious!

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Best Bites, I hope you go through the entire Understanding Pottery series and enjoy all the videos as much! Please share the channel with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow our community. And than you for watching!

  • @JohnPatrick58
    @JohnPatrick58 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I just clicked on this film because I thought it looked interesting, I know next to nothing about ceramics, pottery or sculpture etc, it was such a fascinating and informative film and the presenters commentary flowed fabulously, I found it very easy to understand and follow, thank you, regards John from sunny Devon UK

  • @katiakatiakat
    @katiakatiakat 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very nice. Thank you very much.

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      katiakatiakat, thanks for the encouragement, please share the channel with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow our community.

  • @lizhiqing2625
    @lizhiqing2625 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you very much, greatly appreciate your informative video about clay! It really help me prepare art lessons for my students!

  • @sanchit.sharma
    @sanchit.sharma ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Such insightful information and for free! Can't thank you guys enough! Love from India!

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sanchit Sharma, Thanks for the encouragement and enjoy all the videos. Please share the channel to help us grow our online ceramic community!

  • @happyturtle9360
    @happyturtle9360 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was randomly wondering about clay and found way more information than I was expecting! Thanks 🙏

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Awesome! The Understanding Pottery series is designed to follow the coursework in an MFA program from start to finish. If there is anything you want to understand about ceramics, you should find it here! Please share the channel with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow our community!

    • @happyturtle9360
      @happyturtle9360 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Washington Street Studios Ah gotcha! I actually have no experience with pottery, I’m just a chemistry student and was wondering about the composition of clay. I’ll be sure to share :) Have a wonderful day!

    • @davezad
      @davezad ปีที่แล้ว

      ​A chemistry background would be very useful for a potter, actually. Did you ever study glazes? Basically it's the controlled melting of glass materials over pottery that was already fired once. This seals the work which aids it in holding liquids. Also adds color and strength. The glazes range from transparent to opaque. Colors are produced either through chemical reactions within the glaze or by using modern pigment additives called mason stains. Underglazes made with these stains are like clay paint. They are excellent for fine artistic decorating. Additionally, the color of the clay body itself can show through and contrast to the glaze.
      This topic is utterly fascinating. Same goes for the history of the craft, which is no doubt one of the oldest human technologies associated with organized civilization.

  • @AhNoWiC
    @AhNoWiC ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very informative thank you

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  ปีที่แล้ว

      I hope you enjoy all the videos and share them with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow our community.

  • @caitlinrathburn7133
    @caitlinrathburn7133 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much for this series! It is great to get information of such depth and from a real expert (rather that someone who is simply social-media famous, although they can be fun too ;)

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Caitlin, I agree with both of your statements. I am so fortunate to have Phil as a business partner, he is wise and happy to share his knowledge!
      I also love 'TH-cam University' and I have learned a lot from Simon Leach, Bill van Gilder, Ron Philbeck, John Britt, Collin Shadwell, jonthepotter, Earth Nation Ceramics, Mathew Kelly, there are too many to name! We are pleased to be in a list with any of these artists!

  • @pamelalaird6093
    @pamelalaird6093 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm extremely excited about finding you on FB!
    Looking forward to all the Tube classes! Taking notes and making pottery a dream come true!
    Having already completed my chemistry in college I can actually see how chemical reactions occur and interact.

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Pamela Laird, Thank you for the kind words! Phil did a good job of presenting every subject of a BFA / MFA Ceramic Arts program in the Understanding Pottery series. Keep watching and share the channel with your friends and fellow potters to help grow our community!

    • @pamelalaird6093
      @pamelalaird6093 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@WashingtonStreetStudios I absolutely will share the experience with others and encourage them to watch the "Real" classes before just starting online shopping and thinking it's okay to just throw things together that could possibly blow up something not understanding the "very important chemical compounded!

  • @tsmiamorim
    @tsmiamorim 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Wow! What a nice material!!! Love the scientific aspect of pottery, and it's hard to approach it without this kind of material. Thank you so much!

  • @zoelawrence568
    @zoelawrence568 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Most of my experience of clay has been at school, where all the technical aspects were taken care of. Since that's my point of reference though, I'd love to know what kind of body/mix that grey school clay would likely have been

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Most grey school clays are a general purpose, wide range, stoneware clay, a good example from Standard is Standard 153 white or buff stoneware. We have this in our studio and use it in our classroom.

  • @ueckbueck
    @ueckbueck ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Greeting from Korea!! Thanks for this very informative video. It was so hard to find pottery theory

  • @campioni5248
    @campioni5248 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Such clear and informative presentations ... I look forward to each one. Your sharing is so appreciated ... Thank you.

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for the encouragement. Phil was a great teacher. He passed away last year and I am so thankful we have captured his legacy in these videos! I hope you enjoy all the content.

  • @evetaitcreations
    @evetaitcreations ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is great! I am a visual artist in my mid sixties and I am just starting with ceramics as a different media to continue with my creativity. I don't have the time to go back to school and I am a self learner anyhow this is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you so much for making it available!!

  • @userwhatnever
    @userwhatnever 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thank you for this series! I appreciate your content very much. It's extremely helpful for a beginner like me, just the right amount of technical detail to be successful! :-)

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You will learn loads from Phil, best teacher I ever knew!

  • @coronabong6664
    @coronabong6664 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    nice!

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you Coronabong, hope you enjoy all the videos and share them with your friends!

  • @MJAli89
    @MJAli89 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fantastic video, using the information for my research of how cells, dna interact with clay

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Phil was a great instructor, all of his videos are pure gold for the potter!

    • @caelrock
      @caelrock 21 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Can you share some information about what you are doing?

  • @hard367kushonly
    @hard367kushonly 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    🤯👌

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks, wish I spoke emoji! lol

    • @hard367kushonly
      @hard367kushonly 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@WashingtonStreetStudios listened to the lesson and was blown away by the knowledge.

  • @davebriskham8433
    @davebriskham8433 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Another great video, thank you. If I single fire Porcelain, is there less chance of glaze defects such as pinholing than firing, say Stoneware?

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Single firing reduces the chance of pinholes since the slow ramp up of heat gives time for the gasses to escape through the glaze layer and the glaze will heal itself at a higher temperature. I'm not sure if the clay makes a difference, but I can check with Phil, he's the real expert. If you want to learn about his background check out the Artbox Interview from last year, it's on of our earliest videos. Thanks for the comment!

  • @flynryan3053
    @flynryan3053 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Did these presentations ever get translated into text format in a book or pdf or such? Amazing content!

  • @passage2enBleu
    @passage2enBleu 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for this lecture that sets the stage for understanding the science and art of Pottery.
    I have several 10lb bags of clay, and no idea what characteristics this clay has. eg. to what cone it should be fired. It's grey, uniformly fine and dries to a light grey-white color. So how can I test it to learn more about its properties (short of taking it in for chemical analysis.
    A testing process would help for those who mine their own clay, which I'd like to attempt at some point.
    Thank you again for all these videos that you've made available to us who are starting out on the exploration of this vast topic.

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ken Neth, thank you for the encouragement and for watching our videos!
      If you have a test kiln the process is not difficult, although it does require multiple firings to determine what cone the clay should be fired to. Start by making a bar(s) of clay four inches long and one inch wide, about 1/4 inch thick. Fire the clay to cone 05/04 (low fire) and suspend the bar between two posts. After firing, look for warpage, bloats or other types of failures. Repeat the process on the same test-bar of clay, increasing the temperature through a series of cones until you see warping or some failure in the clay, or stop when the bar is vitrified. If I were executing the test, my cone series would be 04, 1, 4, 6, 8, 10. This will work with unknown commercial clay or self-mined clay. I would also create a catch tray made from a known clay body to prevent a kiln shelf catastrophe! Admittedly, I have created a bar, bisque fired it to cone 06, and fired it in a ^6 firing over a catch plate. Only once was this a 'low-fire' clay that melted into a puddle. If you only want to confirm the clay can be fired to your normal firing range, you can take this more adventurous approach.

    • @passage2enBleu
      @passage2enBleu 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@WashingtonStreetStudios Excellent. Thank you for the information.

  • @yucherncindymimi1369
    @yucherncindymimi1369 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for this video, it is very helpful😊 In my country we get a lot of clay with high iron (or other metals which I am not sure) content, does metals in the clay play a part as a flux?

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Cindy Koh, keep watching the Understanding Pottery series and you will find that Phil covers a ton of material about the roles different chemicals and elements play in the ceramics world. Unfortunately Phil passed away last July, so I can't ask him your question directly. I did search the internet and found that iron oxide is a flux. I checked zinc oxide and it's also a flux. I think you need to search each element or compound independently. Thank you for the question, keep watching, and share the channel with your friends and fellow potters to help us grow our community! What is your country?

    • @yucherncindymimi1369
      @yucherncindymimi1369 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@WashingtonStreetStudios thank you so much for replying. I am so sorry to hear about Phil's passing, the videos and sharing has been very helpful and informative.
      I am from Malaysia. I run a small pottery studio here.

  • @HS-ol4vt
    @HS-ol4vt 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi Phil, this has been extremely helpful. Would you have a basic recipe for an earthenware clay body?

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I've forwarded the request to Phil, we'll get back to you soon!

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Unlike stoneware and porcelain clay bodies, terra cotta bodies are fired to a wIde range of densities (porosities) by different potters for different purposes. Recipes for terra cotta clay bodies can thus vary a lot depending on (1) the recommended firing temperature and the desired level of densification (and the choice of fluxes to get there), and (2) whether or not a naturally low-firing red clay is included in the recipe (and how plastic the clay ingredients are). Here are three examples that use the commercial clay Redart or red earthenware as an ingredient:
      Cone 04 Red Earthenware: Cedar Heights Redart 71.4
      Ball clay 10.7
      Silica 10.7
      Feldspar 7.2
      Helaine Ettinger's Cone 04 Terra Cotta: Cedar Heights Redart 60
      Cedar Heights Goldart 15
      Fireclay (-30 mesh) 15
      Talc 10
      Red Earthenware ( Chappell): Red earthenware clay 75
      Volcanic ash 20
      Talc 5
      Examples without a low-firing clay ingredient:
      Red Earthenware (Rhodes): Kaolin 25
      Ball clay 30
      Frit 17
      Talc 5
      Silica 10
      Red iron oxide 3
      White Talc Body Cone 06 - 04: Talc 50
      Ball clay 40
      Neph. Syenite 10
      Check out "The Potter's Complete Book of Clay and Glazes" by James Chappell for a good listing of recipes.

  • @pizzatopia
    @pizzatopia 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm wondering if you have insight about my idea to mix in a bit of fine silica sand in with my woodash glaze. I'm just learning, space is limited, so i want to refrain from buying glaze materials from professional dealers. The sand was already quite fine, but i ground it finer in a granite mortar, and i'll do some tests on bisque fails. I'm guessing that the silica will produce a more glassy effect, with the ash acting as a flux and glassifier, and the clay in the glaze will act as the binder....

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      pizzatopia, If you are talking about sand that you gathered, or purchased, rather than silica mined for a specific purpose, then you must realize you are getting more than just silica. Playground sand or beach sand will contain many other minerals and organic material. I would try it, but keep the expectations low. And let us know how it goes!

    • @pizzatopia
      @pizzatopia 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@WashingtonStreetStudios thanks for the reply. It is purchased silica sand from a professional supplier. However, the bag is written in chinese, so I can't really understand the entire label

  • @samanghareeb9373
    @samanghareeb9373 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you alot for the amazing video..
    How do eleminate efflorescence in bricks ? please try to share a video on it
    thank you again 👏

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I've forwarded the question to Phil and will post his response. Thanks for watching!

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hello Saman,
      Thank you for your question. Efflorescence in bricks is generally solved by adding (thoroughly mixing) barium carbonate (BaCO3) into the clay. The amount of barium carbonate needed depends upon the concentration of salts that are present in the clay and the water, so testing is a good idea, but it is typically in the range of 1- 2%.
      Phil

  • @nadeeshansuranga2279
    @nadeeshansuranga2279 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi,i am already watching and trying to learn things from your channel. Am already training since few months.But still i couldn't found good stoneware clay body. I have powder forms from ball clay, kaolin, feldspar, bentonite, silica . Can you help me and suggest good combination for the body ???,finally that can be glazed .

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You can search online and find all kinds of clay recipes for various temperatures. Unfortunately Phil passed away last year, he could have helped develop a clay recipe. Best of luck!

  • @VeggiesOutFront
    @VeggiesOutFront 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I believe I've harvested and processed some light gray ball clay from a stream in NY. Is it possible to mix it with processed common clay to make a workable high fire clay body?

    • @VeggiesOutFront
      @VeggiesOutFront 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Nvm haha I had not watched the entire video when I had asked. I'm going to test how much my clay shrinks though I believe it absorbed a lot of water. I tried wet and dry processing and I don't fully remember

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Chad, no problem, there are also videos on making shrinkage test bars in the pottery shorts series! Good luck and let us know how it goes!

  • @Arweqat_alfan
    @Arweqat_alfan 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you 🔆is illite (meca ) mineral ؟

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, illite is one of the family of clay minerals and it is formed from mica. Great question.

  • @mosseyw
    @mosseyw 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Phil. Would it be possible to harvest clay /soil from a tidal river and use it to make pottery? I came a really sticky dark clay/mud/soil and was wondering could it be used.

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Hi! Thanks for your question. You definitely can gather "clay" from a tidal river, but you'll need to test it to make sure that it contains enough actual clay to be suitable for use in pottery. This kind of sticky, dark mud can contain a lot of organic material that makes it seem more clay-like than it really is. So, to start, I would suggest gathering some of the mud, letting it dry out a little so that it can be crudely-shaped into small flat pieces, and then firing it in a kiln (on a piece of regular clay as a tray) to earthenware temperatures to see what it does (does it shrink a lot, how much remains, is it intact, what color is it, does it look like it is starting to melt, etc.). If it doesn't shrink too much, and it still looks like fired clay, then you could begin to work with the raw mud again to see how it could be modified to make it more workable, for example, like adding another kind of clay or granular material such as fine sand or grog to make it less sticky. Also, if the river is tidal, then the clay may contain some salt, so the raw clay might need to be rinsed before it is prepared for use. A little bit of bleach mixed in can help to reduce the smell of the raw clay. If we can help further, let us know. We have another video that should be out before too long, called "Treasures in Your Backyard - Use of Local Materials", which could be useful. Good luck!
      Phil

    • @mosseyw
      @mosseyw 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@WashingtonStreetStudios thanks a million for your clear and detailed answer to my question 👌

  • @rOHRshackartpottery
    @rOHRshackartpottery 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just found your website and hope you are still monitoring for comments. After watching the first lesson and reading several comments, I was wondering what you might recommend as an additive for making white earthenware even more plastic. I am using an extruder and wish to get the low fire white earthen clay to come out in ripples which require high plasticity. I have tried several different clays to no avail including adding water. Do you have any suggestions?

  • @godislove4540
    @godislove4540 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I think I had an allergic reaction to the white earthenware. My eyes hurt for 2 days and my sinus went crazy. Does anyone have any insight as to what might have been in the clay that could cause that reaction?

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Heather,
      Sorry to hear about your reaction to your clay - the only thing that comes to mind is the possibility of mold in the clay. White earthenware is generally just intended to be a mixture of all inorganic materials: clays, plus possibly silica, and a flux such as talc.
      Phil

  • @sobersportsman
    @sobersportsman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ed Sullivan..."We have a very good shew tonight, we'll be going to the Potters Roond Table.

  • @Sybilalma
    @Sybilalma 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have hand built a piece and It’s a bit of a challenge to fire it. I can’t think of anyone better than Phil for advice on how to proceed. Is there an email address i can send a photo to with my question?

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, please send any photos and questions to washingtonstreetstudiosinc@gmail.com

  • @rollsaround2096
    @rollsaround2096 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey there. I'd love to do something for you. The white noise is super loud and I am very interested so im gonna power through that. But it would be super easy for me to copy this video and upload it or send it to you within the white noise. Not looking for money either. Just a dude :)

  • @ronaldlogan3525
    @ronaldlogan3525 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    A micron is 1/1,000,000 of an inch not 1/1,000 of an inch.

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Ronald, Phil figured that out after we posted the video but I was too lazy to fix it! Thanks for keeping us honest!

    • @happyturtle9360
      @happyturtle9360 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Micron is the old name for a micrometer, it would be 1/25400 of an inch

  • @kathleenclarke828
    @kathleenclarke828 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    tooooooo many interruptions

    • @WashingtonStreetStudios
      @WashingtonStreetStudios  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Kathleen, sorry, this is how we keep the content free and keep the business operating. Perhaps you can find somewhere else to get this information that doesn't bother you so much.