Step by Step - Mocha Diffusion
In class we began on mocha diffusion. This relies on a chemical reaction between acidic liquids and slip. We were able to experiment with all the mixtures and see how differently each one reacted.
The Acidic liquids we used were vinegar, coffee, lemon juice and tobacco. It also included oxides to add to the reaction. These acidic items seemed to have some reaction to the decorating slip which can really add something significant to a clay piece.
I started out by rolling out clay and cutting out 7 tiles for experiments.
I wanted to mix and incorporate the decorating slip on my clay so I painted several colours onto my tiles. I wanted this to hopefully blend with the oxide mixtures
The process is quick paced as the decorating slip dries quickly. So I had to layer the slip a couple of times to keep it wet for the oxides. Once I added my oxides I noticed how they reacted with the slip. I found the reaction fascinating.
Once I was done with the tiles. I worked on a 3d form to see how it. I poured the slip down the base of the bowl allowing it to spill an then quickly added my oxides.
With the mocha diffusion it became rather exciting the see the oxide mixtures react to the slip decoration. I was extremely biased when using the tobacco an oxide mixture as it was producing the most prominent and strongest reaction.
I liked how it reacted with the red slip decoration as it was a thick slip that the oxide would follow the direction of the slips thick texture.
In the future I would like to create my own oxides using my own materials. I like the idea of mixing many different oxides and acidic fluids together to see how they will react.
I liked how it reacted with the red slip decoration as it was a thick slip that the oxide would follow the direction of the slips thick texture.
In the future I would like to create my own oxides using my own materials. I like the idea of mixing many different oxides and acidic fluids together to see how they will react.