Underglaze

Definition

Underglaze is a colored slip or a liquid clay body that is applied to the surface of ceramic pieces before glazing, allowing for detailed decoration and design. It creates vibrant patterns and colors on pottery, providing artists with the ability to enhance the aesthetic appeal of hand-built sculptures made using techniques like pinch, coil, and slab. This application method is particularly favored because it adheres well to clay surfaces and withstands high firing temperatures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Underglazes can come in various forms, including commercial options and homemade mixtures, allowing artists to customize their colors and effects.
2. When applying underglaze, it's important to consider the order of firing; underglaze typically goes on before the glaze is applied, which can create layered effects.
3. Underglazes can be applied using different techniques such as brushing, spraying, or dipping, each giving unique results based on the artist's intent.
4. Unlike glazes, which can sometimes run or alter during firing, underglazes generally remain stable and maintain their design throughout the firing process.
5. Underglazes are particularly effective for creating detailed designs on textured surfaces typical of hand-building methods like pinch, coil, and slab.

Review Questions

• How does underglaze enhance the visual appeal of hand-built ceramic sculptures created with pinch, coil, and slab techniques?
  • Underglaze enhances the visual appeal of hand-built ceramic sculptures by allowing artists to add intricate designs and vibrant colors to their pieces before the final glaze is applied. This means that even textured surfaces resulting from pinch, coil, or slab techniques can be beautifully decorated. The stability of underglazes during firing ensures that these decorative elements remain intact, enriching the overall aesthetic without compromising the form.
• What are some advantages of using underglaze compared to traditional glazing methods in ceramic art?
  • Using underglaze offers several advantages over traditional glazing methods. One key benefit is that underglazes maintain their color and design integrity during firing, preventing issues like running or distortion that can occur with glazes. Additionally, underglazes allow for more detailed artwork since they can be applied in various ways—like brushing or spraying—making them ideal for artists looking to achieve fine lines and intricate patterns on their hand-built creations.
• Evaluate the role of underglaze in expanding artistic expression within ceramic sculpture practices that utilize hand-building techniques.
  • The role of underglaze significantly expands artistic expression in ceramic sculpture practices that use hand-building techniques by providing artists with a versatile medium for decoration. Underglazes allow for a broad range of colors and applications that enable finer details compared to traditional glazes. This capability encourages creativity as artists can layer colors, experiment with textures, and create complex designs on the surfaces of their works without worrying about how these will change during firing. Ultimately, underglaze serves as a powerful tool that complements the individuality of hand-built sculptures.

Related terms

Slip: A liquid mixture of clay and water used in ceramics, slip can be applied for decorative effects or to join pieces of clay together.

Glaze: A glassy coating applied to ceramics after underglaze that enhances durability and provides a shiny finish, often influencing the final color and texture.

Bisque firing: The first firing of unglazed pottery that hardens the clay but leaves it porous, preparing it for glazing and decoration.