The development of an innovative glazing technique for the Raku Kiln

This practice-led research project focuses on the investigation of alternative surface application techniques for a ceramic substrate with the aim of developing a new method to adhere glaze to a ceramic body. My research question, ‘How can molten glaze be applied to ceramic substrates allowing successful fusing of materials?’ is investigated by integrating the ceramic raku process with methods from both metalsmithing and hot glass production. By melting glaze material within a crucible, then pouring onto a bisque ceramic body, glaze manipulation, while the glaze was still molten, was undertaken. By trialing and testing an easily replicated glazing technique, this research enabled experimentation with a new range of possible surface effects achievable in the raku kiln, thereby adding knowledge for the research community and providing further developmental avenues for the ceramic practitioner. To this date, no research had been published covering this aspect of glazing, yet this is an important area of research. As a result of developing this project, a range of unforeseen Occupational Health and Safety issues regarding conducting such research in ceramic studios, both commercial and private, has been investigated. This is discussed, along with the ramifications of this outcome for both academic and professional ceramic artists. The thesis consists of a creative component in the form of a body of creative work created during the project, and a related scholarly exegesis.