[Clayart] Thank you for Lithium posts

[mel jacobson via Clayart]

Thank you to the knowledgeable folks that helped us
put some perspective on the lithium issue.

It put a spot light on the fact that nothing remains
the same or forever. We as potters/artist will always
have to change, adapt, make do. It is really a joy of the
profession that we must always be aware and awake.

As for my own life in pots I have adapted to a new studio, new
kilns, and a new clay body. I have made a very strong commitment
to keep things much more simple. I don't want an auto kiln. I love
to control the kiln, the timing and the temperature. I want to control
my clay body. And, keep the glazes simple and let the kiln and the fire
add to the mix. And of course down firing makes it all new again.

I use one glaze...5/20. It came from Ron Roy years back. I re/claimed it
as the world got very expensive after covid. I am re/claiming everything
and having the time of my life. This last week I even joined Colleen with
my big gas kiln. We had a great time. She is gaining confidence in controlling
that kiln. And, it is making great pots for her. A joy to see it go forward.

Even my "cast iron" brown glaze is becoming a big hit. I now hear it all the time.
"Hey, you got anymore of those iron pots, love them."

I even made a new cone 10 white with the 5/20. doubled the ball clay and reduced the
silica and added zircopax and tin. It was pure white, gloss and ran a bit, but
it was happy in a cone 10 firing. I use one plastic yogurt container (large size)
and one container of each ingredient. Eye balled the change for white. I don't have
a lab coat, a mask or a digital scale. Just Mel and his yogurt container.
(and seventy years of making pots)
mel

website: www.melpots.com
WWW.clayartarchives.com

[David Woof via Clayart]

Thanks especially to John Post's sensible and practical applications posting on this Lithium materials crisis.

And thanks to Mel for his encouragment to grow and live large and full in our thinking regarding the practical joy one can have in moving ahead when accepting change with a thoughtful, intrepid, adventuring spirit.

Folks write these words on your heart, and glue a copy on the studio door read as you watch your Favorite Materials dwindle.

Dragon Lady, yes as you said: lithium is a powerful flux!
But Neph Sye can drop a cone ten glaze containing Custer or related feldspars to its knees for a good melt at cone 6. With a One to One substitution ratio....... And the Boron frits......get them inside the main feature ropes.

There were several others offering well considered posts, but these, John Post and the old Viking Mel came thru like stars blazing thru a moonless cloud filled sky.

Love to all,
especially those who need it most and never get enough.......

David Woof..............................................................................................................................................................................................
________________________________
From: Clayart <clayart...@lists.clayartforum.com> on behalf of mel jacobson via Clayart <cla...@lists.clayartforum.com>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 3:53 PM
To: clay clay <cla...@lists.clayartforum.com>
Cc: mel jacobson <mel...@mail.com>
Subject: [Clayart] Thank you for Lithium posts

website: www.melpots.com<http://www.melpots.com>
WWW.clayartarchives.com

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