Margeaux Claude

Margeaux Claude   Some EKWC residencies are all about technical research. Margeaux Claude, professor at Alfred University, was inspired by Anton Reijnders’ project to direct glaze theory towards the benefits of eutectics: the phenomenon that certain ingredients combined melt at much lower temperatures than the individual elements. Claude’s research focused on the use of plaster as a ceramic ingredient, to experiment with its self-setting qualities and to see if it would contribute to lower sintering temperatures. The element that matters for eutectic reactions in this case is calcium, which acts as a melting agent. Working with calcium can be quite delicate though. Fired too low, it doesn’t sinter and can attract water again, causing it to fall apart. And when it’s fired too high, the mass just melts. No wonder Claude was happy with EKWC’s gradient kiln, that allows residents to test the optimal temperature over a 200°C temperature range.