I just read that Southern Ice will no longer be supplied to the USA, and by proxy I assume Canada. You can read the details here on Slipcast – The Ceramics Blog. If only it was April fools, but no, still January. I guess that’s always the risk in making a body of work that is tied too closely to specific material. This isn’t the first time and won’t be the last that supplies of a material runs out.
So Matt and Dave’s Clays are offering to Southern Ice Users that they will send you, for the cost of shipping, a box of their Snow White to anywhere in the U.S. to try as an alternative to Southern Ice. (Proof of use of Southern Ice needed in photo format) Email your proof to [email protected]
But alas, what about us up here in the far North? Maybe I should hang on to my last few bags in the hopes of making my fortune on ebay. Or maybe it’s time to make some work just for myself to keep. A reminder of a lovely clay from a lovely place I once lived that is still very close to my heart.
Wow, I think I’m getting way too emotional over this…
: )
P700 is supposed to be Plainsman's alternative to Southern Ice.
It shrinks like crazy. Candice used it at Medalta. I have a bag but haven't tried it yet and have only used SI once.
I'm not really one to indorse commercial clays but I feel like there are some good alternatives produced (from grolleg of course) closer to home. In my research much more forgiving as well.
I also can share some recipes if your interested in going that route.
It would be a shame to drop your investigation because of those subtle differences. I worked with southern ice when I was in Australia and then tested extensively back here in N. America and Grolleg bodies fired iin reduction have a beautiful distinct character, almost a blueish hue but very white. I understand the seductive qualities of S.Ice but on a value scale not any more than Grolleg, just different.
some thing to think about.?
plus easier on your bank account and carbon foot print.
Hi, I am a reader and ceramist from Germany and I work with Wittgerts porcelain-clay,which is extremly white and good to throw…maybe they do a shipping if there are more ceramists who will use it: the firm is called Arno wittgert Clays, maybe you also get a sample to try it out.
All the best for 2011, I like this blog very much and enjoy reading..Good idea to start cleaning up the workshop, since I do have 9 cats to assist me…
Petra Bittl http://www.petra-bittl.de
thanks all!
some of the reasons i loved SI was that it had a great quality in oxidation. Being that i don't have regular access to reduction firing. i would much rather be making my own Robin, but just don't have the facilities/space/set up/or time for it. I know, i know excuses, excuses. a purist would find a way right? buying commercial clay bodies is one of the choices i've had to make to make my practice/life easier. i know that i'll find a reasonable replacement. it was just shocking news and my love affair with SI has been a good, rewarding one.
Thanks all for the suggestions, i'll start looking into what my supplier can bring in.
btw – Petra – maybe that's what i need…more cats!
Hi Carole,
Did you know that some clay suppliers will mix a recipe batch for you? Granted it has to be done in a large quantity but if it's your primary clay body and you have a good recipe it might be something to consider. I don't know about Plainsman but Tuckers out east will do it.
Too bad about the Southern Ice. It does have a uniqueness about it – ahh that New Zealand kaolin. Kurt Weiser has a recipe for a similar clay he developed, if you ever want the recipe I can get it for you. He orders skids of NZ kaolin direct and says it makes a huge difference.
Best!
Candice
have you contacted clayworks directly in oz? maybe you could ask for the powder version to be shipped and mix it yourself, i'm not even sure if they do that but you could ask :)) [email protected]
Dang – now, although I AM in Australia, I feel like panic buying if production is being affected by the floods. Have you seen what is happening?
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/01/australian_flooding.html