Inspiration and Iridescence - Chemistry in Art

Abstract

Chemistry is key to gaining control of the entire ceramic process. I experimented with clay and glaze chemistry to achieve my aesthetics, which include my interests in visual and textural clay surfaces, as well as iridescence. I accomplished this in three ways: creating Shigaraki-inspired clay, sculpting rock-inspired work, and trying to recreate an accidental iridescent oilspot glaze. My knowledge of clay chemistry allowed me to make a single clay body that blends aspects of natural and commercial Shigaraki clays, and provides the opportunity for iridescence in woodfire. Clay chemistry also allowed me to control the visual and physical texture in both my Shigaraki-inspired clay and in creating work that looked like it was chipped directly out of rock. Knowledge of glaze chemistry allowed the detailed pursuit of replicating an accidental glaze, and finding many potential interesting glazes. Knowledge of chemistry can enable one to achieve their desired aesthetics in ceramics.