The development of a clay body with compatible glaze formulae

There are two aims in this thesis: the first is to ascertain something of the physical and chemical properties of clay and glazes and how to handle and control them. A project such as the development of a clay body and glaze formulae serves to isolate the various functions of the materials and give a clear understanding as to their use and potentials. This enables one to visualize and manipulate materials creatively with a reliable prediction as to their behavior. Spencer Moseley in Art Education supports this, saying: “The quality of a man’s production depends upon (1) the idea, the ability to think through all the processes in relation to the object planned and the materials used; and (2) his ability then, to fashion these materials with skill.”¹ The second aim is to examine the application of a study of clay bodies to a high school or junior college teaching level. Although the complexity of working out a clay body and the time involvement in doing it would not readily lend themselves to these teaching levels, the goal is to present a simplified teaching presentation of the technical data and to develop an attitude which will integrate the project. ¹Spenser Moseley, “Design as a Common Denominator of the Crafts,” Art Education XVII (Nov. 1964), 8-13