484: Alex Thullen on iridescent luster glazes

Today on the show I talk with Alex Thullen. In his role as ceramic materials engineer at Pewabic Pottery he maintains their line of glazes, including iridescent lusters. In our interview we talk about the mechanics of luster, how the timing of reduction effects glazes, and how his work continues research that dates back to the early 1900’s when Mary Chase Perry Stratton started the pottery in Detroit, MI. Listen back to episode 204 for more history on one of America’s oldest pottery companies. To see examples of the glazes we discussed today visit @glazeisjustglasspaint.

A few weeks ago, my friend Paul (@pdblais) crushed his eye while wake surfing in the Columbia River. It was a freak accident where the board hit him at just the wrong spot. There’s a Go Fund Me to help he and his wife over the next few months. If you are a fan of his podcast The Potters Cast this is a great time to show your support. Visit Go Fund Me to donate.

Today’s episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

AMACO Brent www.amaco.com

The Bray www.archiebray.org

The Rosenfield Collection of Functional Ceramic Art www.Rosenfieldcollection.com