Test Tiles

Purpose:

• To create four equally formed tiles

• To demonstrate the effects of layering glaze colors

• To develop glazing skills

• To contribute to a test tile wall for current and future ceramics students

Reflection:

I think that I showed quality craftsmanship on my tiles. I used a sponge to round the edges to make sure it wasn't dangerously sharp. I also sponged down the tiles to make sure the glaze stuck well. I followed the steps very closely and drew on the lines for where to glaze. I also made sure to have even layers of glaze, even layers of clay, and uniformly deep texture. I also sponged down the side of it to remove the glaze to make sure the glaze didn't stick to anything.

The glaze surprised me because I didn't expect it to turn glossy. When I painted it on it looked like completely regular paint and I was very surprised that it turned out the way it did. I also found the color combinations surprising. I didn't think it would blend as well as it did. I didn't realize before firing that the glaze was a watered-down form of glass and it turns into glass in the kiln. The original glazes that I painted on were matte and sometimes the glazes, for example, royal blue glaze, are completely different colors after they get fired. Royal blue is a vibrant red when you paint it on, and then it turns into a blue after firing.

I think I learned a lot from this exercise. It showed me the basics of glazing, showed me how to use the test tiles when glazing other things, it showed me that clay can be sharp and to always round your edges, it showed me the difference between one, two, and three layers of glaze, and it showed me how glazes mix.