Making Plates with Mouldy Clay

[@qeidren3215]

I used to work in a large tile factory, and at one point, management tried using clay with a very high organics content (including mold). In addition to the firing issues, about 40% of staff came down with eye infections and minor respiratory complaints as the dust from the raw matrial permeated the air in the processing plant. It's interesting to see how this clay behaves on a smaller scale in a wetter format.

[@tonymengela3575]

im sensing made up story here any organics and mold would be just ash in seconds in the kiln. science debunks bs

[@qeidren3215]

@tonymengela3575 The KILN did reduce the organics and mold to ash. Although the carbon content and extra gasses struggling to pass through the glaze caused uneven shrinkage in the fired body marked by a dark staining (visible when you cracked them open) which we called 'black core'. Clay processing was an entirely different story. Clay is mixed with an organic binder, water, and a couple other additives I knew nothing about as it wasn't my area, and then run through a spray drier. Heated and atomised. It is then stored in 40 - 60-ton batches in 6 storey tall silos to age for a minimum of two days at 4-6% moisture. The processed clay we pressed resembled river sand in some respects. It was the people who worked in processing and anyone who had to take unfired waste to storage on the regular that came down with problems. Myself included.

[@lissaxitray8110]

Cool

[@Clarence_13x]

I worked at a place where we do the same stuff with feces.

[@Clarence_13x]

I always have pink eye.

[@tangobuenosaires]

Awesome work. You are doing what I once thought I'd do... I am living a nice life now, but clay somehow remains on my heart. Thanks for such a beautiful work. I really enjoy all your videos. Xoxo from Argentina,✌️🇦🇷

[@lewistaylor8262]

I had absolutely no interest in pottery; and in a single video I have been utterly enraptured by this fantastically precise process. So much love and care with each stage with clearly practiced hands - I'm gonna start hunting for some special plates now...

[@DianeH2038]

he's one of the very best working today, IMO.

[@a-man2246]

Aging clays is a well described process especially among indigenous potters. The proteins excreted by the fungi as well as the bacterial biofilm greatly improves the plasticity of clay bodies

[@GadBoDag]

I wonder what happens if you intentionally mix protein into the clay

[@AL-fl4jk]

@@GadBoDagthis has been done lots too, including egg whites and cow blood especially for high wear items like floor tiles

[@GadBoDag]

@@AL-fl4jk whoa, that's cool!

[@Ian-nl9yd]

traditional methods sometimes fall out of favor for a reason... people used to make forks and spoons from lead pewter

[@henryptung]

Interesting - sounds like a way to produce a ceramic-polymer composite, like a more ceramic-centric variant of ceramic-filled plastics.

[@colinmoen3833]

Safety Tip - some nasty molds like black mold will release all of their spores into the air as a survival mechanism when they come into contact with bleach, so for maximum safety I would recommend applying your bleach spray outside, so the air in your studio remains spore-free!

[@eev14]

To be fair; black mold isn't actually dangerous in most circumstances to most people, you also wouldn't be likely to find black mold in a studio like this. There are many different fungi and they are not all harmful (some even helpful), if it's not an uncommon thing to work with moldy clay I think mold in clay is unlikely to be dangerous.

[@jaykoerner]

"Black mold" isn't really any different then any other mold....at least according to the CDC(I would link but can't because yt will delete the comment), and molds in general only effect some peoplem others are basically immune

[@916619jg]

​@@eev14depends on where you live... In the Pacific Northwest USA black mold is everywhere. It's in the soil.

[@bobbypatton4903]

This sounds like absolute hogwash to be believed by fools who relish in over sensationalized nonsense.

[@christopherkarr1872]

@@916619jg Just keeping it out of an old house in the winter is a chore in itself!

[@jessarsenstudios]

I love how plastic my clay becomes when it starts to mold. My collage professor actually told me that in a specific country (i cant remember what one) its a right of passage when a beginner potter becomes a resident potter they are given a bag of clay that is years molded. I wish i had more details because i find it very interesting.

[@Sky-._]

That is very interesting. I wonder if you could intentionally seed it with a specific type of mold or yeast, and if that would change it's properties?

[@Smajtastic]

Much like Cheese!@@Sky-._

[@elisabethbenders-hyde5286]

It has always been my understanding that the mold in the clay means it has aged and makes it more plastic. Japanese potters used to bury their clay for years before using it. No doubt the clay developed mold in the process which was deemed a good thing. I welcome the smell of moldy clay, a little swampy perhaps, but it means the clay will be easier to use. However, clay that is too wet is a problem, but easily solved.

[@devanbrowne8706]

Isn't clay buried to begin with?

[@TheMurlocKeeper]

@@devanbrowne8706 - Well, yes...kinda, but not in the filtered, refined state that it is made into for working.

[@znefas]

I'm not a potter, but I've watched tons of your videos and I never get bored of hearing you say the same stuff you've said again and again in other videos, so really, thanks for what you're doing!

[@josephroxursox]

Wow, I clicked this video because the mold thing intrigued me. Wound up watching the whole thing because your process is so satisfying. Then I got to the reveal after the kiln and only then did I realize just how beautiful your work is.. Never thought I would find simple plates to be so beautiful lol, great work!

[@MostlyCivilEngineer]

As for the beeswax issue, some people in the woodworking world dedicate a crockpot/slow cooker to making wood finish from beeswax and an oil (usually linseed oil). I imagine the same method would work for your glaze resist. You have to turn it on a few hours ahead of when you need the melted wax. Worth a shot if you miss it enough.

[@AM-xo7lr]

Or even a dedicated beautician's wax melter, which will melt the wax and hold it at just the right temperature to remain liquid without overheating it. This is what I use. Easily obtained from the internet and the perfect size.

[@codename495]

Wax warmer plates for potpourri would work well too. Fill a jar with the wax and keep it on all day.

[@karenmusketnuss2737]

If you check out encaustic paint techniques you will find flat electric griddles with small metal pots containing various waxes in them, (Encaustic is painting with beeswax, pigments and damar resin for hardening. )

[@xxportalxx.]

Interesting, that's the same mix used for tinning clothes, amazing how effective it is as a general protectant huh?

[@somethingsomethingmegan]

I have a therapeutic wax melter for paraffin that was quite cheap and keeps it liquid but not hot enough to burn you.

[@dogsrule22206]

So beautiful--swoon 🥰

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you!

[@MulletDestructur]

I was today years old when I learned that clay can mold!

[@shalinastilley446]

I'm in awe of your work. Thank you for making these videos. I'm a beginner, so they're very helpful.

[@vzeimen]

I have been a potter for 10 years and I learn more from your videos than you can even imagine. All the little tricks that you use to get your perfect pots and perfect surfaces are invaluable. Most of these don't take more time but more thought during the process. Thanks for your beautiful work in video, voice over and artistically.

[@astronyu]

i'm obsessed with how you described the exposed clay bottom. to have the process itself be physically visible on your final creation... so so cool

[@Algorhythm027]

In software engineering there is the term 'dogfooding' derived from the phrase "eating your own dog food". The idea is that when you're creating some software tool for others to use, you should use it in its own development process if possible, both to prove its worth as a tool and to alert you to possible pitfalls or rough edges in the user experience. Since you make a lot of functional ware, do you find that using your own pots helps you to improve the design of future items? Particularly for the minor ergonomic niggles that only rear their heads after extended use, like 'does this ornamental feature make the mug hard to clean?' or 'This glaze scratches easily and loses it's shine after prolonged use'.

[@roger0929]

The problem with self-testing is bias. A programmer expects everyone to use it the way they do. This is the main reason why so much software is crap and counter-intuitive. This is also the fatal flaw with AI. It doesn't exist in the real world just in it's own little digital bubble. That's why it ALWAYS spits out crap.

[@MeepChangeling]

@@roger0929 Translation: I refuse to learn how to use software, so much so that I can't even communicate what I want to an AI well enough to get good results. I then blatantly ignore everyone who finds software easy to use, and gets good results from AI because this is contrary to my personal experience and therefore never happens.

[@robertcotrell9810]

​@@MeepChangelingSpeaking of AI, it is an immoral technology. Every person whose work was unwittingly used to train AI will not see a penny for the usage of their work.

[@oakenshadow6763]

​@@MeepChangelingAI has no creativity. No innovation. It can only do what it is fed. And if it hits a wall, it just stops. A person can find a way to fix it, innovate, or improvise. AI may have a place in the future, but as tool like photoshop. There will always be a need for a real person to do touch up work where it fails, or wants something authentic. Defend AI without insults next time, please. You know how to use it, so explain it. It takes a lot of time to learn how, and I respect that. But I also respect people who do it themselves and i don't have to negotiate with. Just tell them, and they can infure the rest. Both are valid.

[@theoriginaltubeofyous]

As someone with a few artistic pursuits, I dislike the term "dogfooding" but mostly just because it sounds nasty. Probably a software engineer personality thing. When I cook I eat my own people food, since I'm not a dog or cooking for dogs, and I occasionally do sit down and look at my own paintings and listen to my own music, just to milestone or benchmark where I used to be, how far I've come, and to have something to be proud about making. I think if these pots are aesthetic pieces ol' Florian probably looks at them, or pictures of them from previous exhibitions. But also if they are intended to be used I don't find it weird to eat from them. We might just disagree as artists about that though.

[@Alex_0Z]

love how the glaze lays on these plates and brakes on the edge

[@John_Durrant]

I don't believe there is anything more satisfying than watching an artist work. Such skill and precision inspire envy in me.

[@sanfordgfogg]

Such a simple but wonderful effect with the depth, color, and effects with the crackle glazes. I could stare at that richness endlessly! Thank you.

[@awaredeshmukh3202]

I didn't know I could watch such a peaceful video for 17 straight minutes without being distracted or noticing the time. Normally I spend every video I watch reading the comments. But here I was just rapt with attention.

[@Emerald-Moon]

Hi Florian , I’m a baby potter. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing all your wisdom here where I can learn. It’s a craft and hobby I truly love so much. Learning from you helps me save on classes. As I’m a single mom trying to make ceramics. It’s such a rewarding hobby my heart grabs towards. Thank you again! ❤

[@franhenry1719]

I learned so much from this video. The finished products are absolutely beautiful.

[@Bethman]

I completely agree about using other people’s work in your home. I like your comparison to only listening to your own music.

[@sigridkoning9126]

WoW when you open the oven. It’s like a beautiful treasury 🤗

[@outoforder8791]

This is the first long-form video of yours that I've watched and I'm amazed. The care and attention to detail you put into your work really makes a difference. This is art.

[@froogezeiche4551]

I just started out with pottery and I think your videos are really insightful. I've been working on my craft for 4 weeks straight and today i got my first batch of pots back from the furnace. I struggle with mental health issues and pottery is such a beatiful outlet for me personally. Thank you for your hard work and sharing your knowledge!!

[@RyanPardoe]

I don’t comment enough on your videos, but every single one of them is such a pleasure to watch. You make some truly beautiful, simple, modern stoneware. Keep up the good work!

[@ramonbril]

Your working method is so precise and yet so thought through. (they often contrast, precision and strategy don't combine easily) I'm oft inspired!

[@kalleguld]

This is the first pottery video I've watched, and I must say you do a fantastic job. Your plates came out beautiful, and your video is great. I really like your explanations - it's easy to follow, even for a novice, and at the same time it's clear that the craft takes a lot of time to master.

[@davidsancho3100]

our best saturday watching! thank you best regards katherin and David

[@DaveHojo]

I love using the clay body as part of the visual elements. In the case of bottles, I often use glaze as accents on the outside, leaving the raw body as the main field of color.

[@artbysamc]

I love this video - you have such a calming, relaxing voice over and explain very well what you're doing even for a layperson like me with no pottery knowledge whatsoever. I love your work, too! Beautiful shapes.

[@KateCarew]

Your hands are so deft! These are simply gorgeous! You make it look so easy, I could week knowing my lumpy bumpy pieces and how long it took to produce them 😂🙏🏻😂 Edit Just checked your shop Sold out! Great for you Bummer for me I love your iron glazed pieces Classic, timeless and simple beautiful Also, I’d never seen your work, but a mere three minutes in I thought “wonder if he’s studied in Japan?” The respect for the craft, the precision…🙏🏻

[@AntoineThisdale]

Beautiful. I love the crackled marble effect.

[@EvesScaleModels]

I so feel like pottery is something i could really get into its sooo beautiful

[@Lilith-bw9pq]

These plates are so elegant.✨ I'm obsessed ❤

[@BacktoEarthPottery]

Reclaim is always tricky to deal with. I never really rely on it, but usually treat those pots as "extra" ones just in case something goes wrong with the reclaim batch. Your results were great 😁

[@michael-k.]

Watching people work with clay is such a stress reliever

[@lesliew3343]

Love watching you work. It's always inspirational. Thanks, Florian!

[@sarasandrasmith]

Very interesting!! I was wondering how the tongs marks were covered! I have also always hated the unglazed bottoms on things. It's like washing a wooden spoon.... Shudder!! I now know that there is a really good reason for that unfinished part. Thanks so much! Beautiful work!!

[@NotTooStraight]

Wow I never knew the process was so tedious. True craftsmanship

[@holohero]

oh, these are positively *gorgeous*, excellent glaze choice.

[@F0XD1E]

The crackle finish and slight color variation is very nice

[@SebastianJArt]

This was a pleasure to watch 🎉

[@deisebrsoares]

How beautiful, a masterpiece ❤

[@theunknown4834]

Can the trimmings of the mouldy clay cause other clay to mould too if left together? (i.e. from washing of tools)

[@WhiteStoneCottagePottery]

I think that’s the purpose of adding the bleach - to kill the mold before reclaiming it again. I’m never sure how much to use.

[@faunivore9485]

Yes, it can. Mold spores from the trimmings will contaminate clay they come in contact with

[@hecatastrophe]

​@@faunivore9485i'm really confused as to what in the clay allows it to mould?

[@roger0929]

@@hecatastrophe Mold is a fungus. It needs moisture, air and a food source to grow. Clay provides two of those.

[@ninib9439]

@@hecatastrophemoisture, mildly basic environment, also, anaerobic environment.

[@griffingibson4389]

wasnt expecting such a beautiful result. was wondering why not to buy some from the store before the end product.

[@wombatperson5431]

Recently began using the pottery wheel and am both amazed and enraged at how good you are. I can’t even center the damn thing.

[@AMcDub0708]

Those are SO BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@orangerightgold7512]

Moldy clay is the best, excellent texture to work with.

[@TomoyoTatar]

They are beautiful ❤ I love the crackling

[@carihislop161]

Your work is beautiful!

[@piccalillipit9211]

*JUST WOW* I think they are absolutely gorgeous...!!!

[@MarcFarrell-f5r]

Thanks Mr F I enjoy watching your work.

[@gragaloth6237]

Really digging the experimentation you've been doing!

[@8schopra]

That extra glaze for perfect concave finish is 👌🏻😍

[@xtooni5242]

Always fun to watch your work. I really like your pottery, it looks really good made and clean

[@rohanlg790]

They look amazing !!!!!

[@Erin____]

I’m taking a course at the community college, and the sand mix provided to us is full of mold. Professor says “it’s the good mold, just wedge it in!”

[@DianeH2038]

you are such an amazing artist. thank you for this video!

[@Dirtbaghippy]

Holy sh*t those look amazing. As soon as I saw the pattern on the glaze my jaw dropped.

[@mikepetersen7319]

They turned out beautiful.

[@adomaitisc]

I love the strive for perfection

[@chrishoo2]

These plates are absolutely gorgeous!

[@emmabroughton2039]

They are so beautiful.

[@ЛюдмилаЗмитрович-н3э]

this is wonderful. Thank you for your videos)

[@kevinskudalski5838]

This has inspired me. I made some rather large platters the other day using these steps. Thank you for the information, and inspiration!😀

[@zaibcom]

Beautiful

[@MisTvIecHstyLeZ]

beautiful in every way. scientific, artistic, poetic, wonderful video. well done! i completely forgot that i actually came here to find out why someone would use moldy clay.. but i found out :D

[@justlola417]

That glaze effect is gorgeous

[@ropakka9457]

Thank you for your wonderful work and sharing your expertise 🙏❤️ I was however wondering, whether it is safe to handle the glazes without gloves. Also I was surprised you looked into your gas kiln through the hole without welding goggles. Please consider your studio safety, to have a lot of good pottery years to come 😊

[@melaniebuckley1772]

As usual, my favourite pieces are the green glazed plates, as I always love the contrast between that and the stoneware underneath where the glaze breaks. A couple of questions. With the pots that don’t survive the firing and have to be smashed, can you reuse that in any way? Also you mentioned you don’t have to take any precautions with the mould but is there anything that you do have to take certain precautions with?

[@kevinraub645]

I'm not a potter, but I hear they can be crushed / ground into grog, binder to firm up future pieces.

[@StephenBoyd21]

Just so lovely plates.

[@lancemillward2462]

the clay body in japanese tea bowls helps the glaze to mottle in the interior over time. these spots and blooms are appreciated by lovers of the tea ceremony.

[@IslaKariese]

I can only imagine how expensive clay can get, so wanting to use as much of it as possible is perfectly understandable. Still, making anything out of moldy clay was the last thing I expected, especially since you said that you have to withstand the smell while throwing and trimming them. It is fascinating though that the heat so clearly kills the mold as the clay becomes ceramic, and by the end the plates are just as sanitary as anything else

[@morefiction3264]

Those are beautiful.

[@chillimanfly2859]

So lovely ❤️

[@NateRidgway-gl5vq]

I cant wait for this new exciting upload

[@subcatboy]

what a nice video these look amazing, they look like you are staring out a portal from inside a crystal

[@gouldmears2071]

So cool looking.

[@Peron1-MC]

the glace never seize to be super satisfying :) beautiful work

[@RadioactiveBluePlatypus]

You make it look easy!

[@katmusswoodwind]

I love these. And I wondered whether you used your own work in your every day life... but as a musician I definitely hear you about consuming my own craft. It's cool to listen to someone else doing the work innit haha 😂 Thank you for your videos - they're a great way to calm down after a long, hard day. In fact I long to throw a pot or two, and I have dropped a bit of a hint to my boyfriend that I'd love to do something like it for my 40th birthday 🎉 (5 years from now haha!)

[@vacafuega]

Why wait? Especially for a guy to do it for you... Treat yourself now, find a pottery place nearby and book yourself a spot, life is short!

[@chuchupoppy]

Awesome stuff.

[@notOKeither]

Hypnotic!

[@chrisp7548]

Great video!!

[@danielcloster3942]

I would love a set like this so unique

[@credenza1]

I love the smell of mouldy clay. It reminds me of some funky French wines.

[@user-yk2gr8ep4i]

I like how the glaze looks like mould too

[@acalavidyaraja]

So beautiful.

[@bryanbradford2742]

Awesome!!

[@mikego2611]

In spain we have a saying "En casa de herrero, cuchara de palo." This translates to "In a blacksmith's home, wooden spoon", meaning that quite often experts on a craft don't use or enjoy their own creations.

[@geocyo8835]

yo. that finished product is so motherfucking beautiful.

[@potteryokc]

Absolutely beautiful

[@MellowWind]

Gorgeous. I love your work. It must be so satisfying opening the kiln packed with so much work. I'm so curious, how much does it cost to do one firing? The gas/electric must be really high to run a kiln...

[@yuhsieh3106]

thank you

[@Heyght]

I might get hooked on this

[@navienslavement]

Those prices are hysterical

[@HannahQueenOfAir]

i love yorkshire sculpture park woo

[@themelancholyofgay3543]

beautiful