A Geological Treasure Hunt for Local Glaze Materials

A New Brunswick ceramic artist, Michael Wood, has embarked on a fascinating journey to source local materials for his craft, particularly for creating glazes for his earthenware pieces. Driven by a desire to connect with the roots of pottery and embrace sustainable practices, Wood is exploring the geological treasures of his province.

Wood's quest began with a realization that New Brunswick, with its abundance of natural resources, could potentially provide him with materials for his glazes, eliminating the need to import them from far-off locations. He turned to the provincial archives, studying historical mines and geological maps to identify areas rich in specific rock types.

Granite: A Promising Source for Glazes

Wood's research led him to granite, a rock that contains all four essential elements for glazes: silica, alumina, alkali metals, and alkaline earths. He believes that by crushing these rocks into fine powder, he can achieve the desired melting point and composition for his glazes.

A Laborious Process with High Hopes

The process of creating glazes from natural materials is not without its challenges. Wood plans to conduct numerous tests, expecting only a fraction of them to be successful. However, he embraces the potential for failure as an integral part of the creative process.

In the past, Wood has experimented with ash from various tree species to create unique glazes with distinct colors and textures. His artistic vision extends beyond mere functionality, as he seeks to incorporate the essence of the local environment into his work.

A Broader Mission: Sustainability and Collaboration

Wood's project goes beyond personal exploration, as he intends to share his knowledge and techniques with other ceramic artists through workshops. His goal is to promote sustainable practices within the ceramic community, encouraging the use of local resources and reducing the industry's environmental footprint.

One such artist, Judy Tate, has expressed interest in Wood's workshop. Tate, who works exclusively with local New Brunswick clay, sees the potential of locally sourced glazes to complement her products. She believes that utilizing natural resources and promoting local craftsmanship aligns with a growing demand for authenticity and sustainability.

Seeking the Perfect Glaze Rocks

Wood's search for the ideal glaze rocks continues, with several promising areas identified in his region. He hopes to find rocks at active mines for ease of accessibility. Tailings from mines in the Sussex area have also been suggested as a potential source of low-iron rocks, which could yield lighter-colored glazes.

As Wood embarks on his summer expeditions to dig for rock samples, he remains optimistic about discovering the perfect materials for his glazes. His commitment to sustainability and the pursuit of local resources showcases the innovative spirit and artistic vision that drive his work.