Stoneware in the Classroom
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- Last Updated: Friday, 12 December 2014 14:43
We have recently introduced a line of “Stoneware Bisque.” There are twelve functional shapes and they provide a great way to introduce stoneware glazes. Students will love the amazing combinations and flowing colors that are attainable at mid-range (cone 6) temperatures.They can also learn how the stronger clay bodies are formulated and presented. Consider it as a teaching tool where new characteristics are explored. Plus there is no collection of raw materials & tools to deal with!
SB-111 Handled Bowl
8" W x 4" H x 6" Diameter
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SB-109 Lisa Mug
4½" W x 5" H
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SB-112 Tall Bottle
3" W x 14½" H
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SB-106 Rimmed Bowl
7" Diameter
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Ms. Melissa Maxfield-Miranda, a Miami-Dade Art Educator currently teaching art at Redland Elementary School in Homestead and the owner and clay artist of Anhinga Clay Studios, Inc. in Miami. She offered some ideas for stoneware bisque:
”Using this material at any grade level adds a most important tactile experience to the user. Students can gain awareness and an understanding to the world around them, not just a bit on the history of ceramics, but social studies, history and science. It also includes a hands-on activity and encourages both dialogue and personal reflection. The bisque ware would promote group camaraderie in a lesson about glazes and decoration. I did a workshop on the history of teapots where we simply glazed bisque teapot forms. The focus was taken off the constructing of a functional vessel and placed the emphasis on symmetry, pattern, measurement, balance, emphasis, etc. using all the principles of design”. She goes on to say… “You could absolutely use the stoneware bisque ware as a fundraiser project. Students could glaze the pieces and sell/donate them for an “Empty Bowls” type of project to feed the hungry and those in need.” (http://www.emptybowls.net/)
Stroke & Coat design on top of SW-252 Blue Opal
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SW-128 Cordovan and several stoneware glazes
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Designer Liner and SNC on SW-250 White Opal
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Stoneware washes and jute created this pattern
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Some attributes and facts about stoneware bisque include:
- Stoneware bisque matures at Cone 6.
- It is vitreous (Will hold liquid without a glaze applied)
- Many Mayco cone 06 glazes can be applied with foolproof results.
- Ovenware safe (should be heated and cooled gradually)
- No stilting.