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Student Name: George T
Grade: 12
Title: Alchemy
Description: To achieve the finish on “Alchemy,” I conducted an alcohol reduction firing of a copper matte glaze on a wheel-thrown bowl. As part of the alcohol reduction process, I heated the piece to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit in a kiln, quickly removed it from the kiln, and sprayed with 91% isopropanol, producing both a large fireball and a reduction atmosphere surrounding the glaze. This reduction atmosphere generates the mix of vivid, almost iridescent colors observed in the final product. This process subjects the piece to enormous stress and is also highly unpredictable—the pot could easily have shattered from heat shock or turned a muddy brown color from excessive reduction. But the result instead is a piece that surprises the viewer. It’s often mistaken for a metal piece, even when people hold it, due to the light weight and rough surface.
Dimensions: (L)10 x (W)10 x (H)7 (Inches)
Weight: 2 Lbs.
School: Clay By The Bay - San Francisco, CA
Teacher: Didem Mert
Exhibition: The 23rd Annual National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition


Additional Work Info
Clay Vendor: Laguna, Soldate 60
Wheel Vendor: brent, Brent Model C
Tool Vendor: Other, Xiem tools, mudtools ribs, bison trimming tools, custom tools
Glaze Vendor: Other, Mixed from scratch
Kiln Vendor: Skutt, Skutt electric kiln, custom gas kiln
Firing Temp: Other, Alcohol reduction firing
Atmosphere: Reduction
Cone Number: , Cone 010 bisque firing followed by alcohol reduction
Entry Photos