Surface Alteration - Water Etching
This, the final chapter on surface alteration, will explore a technique which, as far as can be determined, is strictly modern. This method of "carving" is accomplished by masking the design with liquid latex, and then washing away the uncovered areas with a sponge and water.During the Yuan dynasty (the Mongol dynasty, 1280-1360) when Kublai Khan did in Xanadu "a stately pleasure dome decree," Chinese potters produced exquisite wares of Persian influence, and saw the introduction of celadon glazes. Celadon glazes, ranging in color from pale tan to rich green, were most often used on ware with carved or incised decoration. The piece pictured here was inspired by the type of the design preferred during this era.
As in any technique which requires the removal of surface clay, pieces chosen for this and similar projects should be more heavily cast than those destined for more conventional decorating methods. It is also well to use design elements which are fairly large in form and do not have elaborate details; small designs, while not impossible to render with this method, are much more difficult to control.
Following are the steps used to complete the pictured piece, along with explanations of the methods and materials employed:
November 20, 2008