In the realm of pottery, underglazes have long been revered for their ability to infuse vibrant color and intricate designs onto ceramic surfaces. Traditionally applied through methods like brushing and dipping, underglazes are undergoing a creative resurgence as artists push the boundaries of conventional techniques. From using underglazes as paints to employing them in stencils, transfers, and even as crayons, potters are discovering new avenues to express their artistic visions.
This article explores the myriad innovative uses of underglaze, showcasing how these versatile materials enhance both the aesthetic and tactile qualities of pottery. Whether you’re a seasoned ceramicist or just beginning your journey with clay, join us as we delve into the limitless possibilities of underglaze, bridging tradition with contemporary creativity in the world of pottery.
1. Use as a Paint
Underglazes are incredibly vibrant, which makes them ideal for pottery painting. They can also create subtle gradients and dramatic contrasts when layered over one another.
Dip your brush into the underglaze color of your choice and paint across your clay. It is important to apply at least two layers for opacity and a rich color.
It is often helpful to use a thinner underglaze first as a primer to prevent the pottery underglaze from flaking off your clay piece during the firing process. Line cutting is a great way to add graphic-looking lines to your pottery. Lino is an excellent option for this.
Pens, pencils, and crayons are another way to make precise lines on your ceramic pieces. It is important to note that these types of underglaze marks will show smudging and bleeding when the clear glaze is applied on top.
2. Use as a Stencil
Underglaze is a water-based paint that can be applied to leather-hard pottery without obscuring its inherent textures, colors, and designs. While traditional underglazes were made of colored clay slips, contemporary formulations often include frit, which melts into a liquid glass in the kiln and amplifies its coloration.
While brushing, spraying, and dipping are popular ways to decorate with Underglaze, there are many other creative techniques that allow artists to express themselves on ceramic surfaces. Whether using a line-cutting method like sgraffito or applying washes of color, the possibilities are endless.
To ensure a smooth application of Underglaze, it’s important to lightly dampen bisque ware before you apply your design. This will help your underglaze adhere better to the surface and avoid pulling off parts of the clay underneath.
3. Use as a Transfer
Underglaze decals or transfers are a way to print pre-printed designs onto your pottery. Unlike screen printing, it’s easy to see what your design will look like before firing.
It’s best to work on bisque ware, which is bone dry, but has been fired in a kiln and changed into its new state. This makes it easier to apply underglazes.
You can use a sponge to apply underglazes, or a banding wheel that’s a flat surface on a turntable so you can easily spin your piece around without touching it. If working on bisque, be sure to go over it with a damp sponge first, which will help the underglaze stick.
You can also try using a linoleum block to create raised lines or designs. Be careful to choose unsized linoleum or paper, because sized papers don’t absorb underglaze well.
4. Use as a Brush
Underglazes can be applied with brushing techniques to create a wide range of effects. This is the most popular method and allows for great creativity.
Applying an underglaze with a brush is very similar to painting, but the glaze dries quickly. Use a soft brush to produce smooth blending and shading. It is important to blot your brush well and be sure you have enough color loaded before applying it to the clay.
You can also paint with underglaze using a watercolor technique, creating a soft effect on your pottery. This is very easy and can give a nice, natural look to your pieces.
You can even purchase underglaze pens that work a lot like a regular pen. They are very useful for producing fine detail and achieving a more precise design.
5. Use as a Crayon
A ceramic artist can apply underglazes to a bone-dry piece of green clay with a wide variety of tools, from spraying to dipping and brushing. This allows for an unlimited range of designs, and underglazes are available in liquid forms, chalks, pencils, crayons, and other specialized products.
These allow for fine line drawings on the pottery surface, and when a clear glaze is applied over it the drawing will stand out. Some smudging or bleeding may occur, but this is an easy issue to fix with some simple steps.
A ceramicist can also use a process called Sgraffito, which involves applying underglaze while the clay is leather-hard and then scratching away parts of it to create contrasting patterns and designs. This requires some practice but is a fun way to get creative.
Embracing Artistic Innovation
The diverse applications of underglaze presented here illustrate its transformative power in contemporary pottery. From intricate brushwork to bold stencil designs and nuanced transfers, underglazes empower artists to explore new realms of expression and craftsmanship. By embracing these innovative techniques, potters can elevate their creations beyond tradition, enriching the ceramic art landscape with creativity and individuality. As the art of pottery continues to evolve, underglaze remains a steadfast companion, inspiring endless possibilities for artists to shape their visions into tangible works of art. Whether in a studio, workshop, or ceramic shop, underglazes pave the way for boundless creativity.