CUVCER505A
Develop and apply ceramic glazes

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to make and apply a range of glazes to create different aesthetic effects for ceramic items. The practitioner uses a variety of techniques to both make and test different types of glazes, including the development of original glaze recipes. The unit requires a sound knowledge of glaze science.

Application

Ceramicists apply the skills and knowledge in this unit.

At this level, work is carried out independently with mentoring and guidance as required.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Develop ideas for glazing ceramic forms

1.1 Research glazing ideas from historical and contemporary references

1.2 Research, adapt and use relevant ideas and approaches with consideration of intellectual property requirements

1.3 Evaluate the potential for new and original approaches, including original glazes

1.4 Refine ideas through play, experimentation and testing

2. Modify and test existing glaze recipes

2.1 Investigate and respond to safety issues for glaze work

2.2 Modify and test existing glaze recipes on selected clay bodies, in a variety of firing conditions

2.3 Select and use ingredients and materials for glaze making for different purposes based on selected recipes

2.4 Develop and test glazes on various clay bodies and in various kiln firings

2.5 Achieve different effects through exploration and experimentation with a broad range of advanced glazing techniques, tools and equipment

2.6 Label and store glazes safely

3. Formulate original glaze recipes

3.1 Inform ideas for original glaze recipes through analysis of glaze science and chemistry

3.2 Research raw ingredients and formulas to achieve different effects

3.3 Formulate own glaze recipes that aim to achieve predictable fired results

4. Create a body of glazed work

4.1 Use different glaze application techniques and safely modify application according to effect required

4.2 Decorate surfaces with glaze using methodologies, techniques and tools selected from own experimentation

4.3 Evaluate and respond to potential for changes in application methods

4.4 Fire the glazed form at the appropriate temperature and kiln atmosphere

4.5 Modify glazes to correct faults and technical problems

4.6 Maintain accurate records and data

5. Evaluate glaze work

5.1 Evaluate glaze work from an aesthetic and functional perspective

5.2 Evaluate development of own glaze work with others and seek feedback

5.3 Reflect on the particular ways that experimentation with different work has informed own practice

5.4 Identify ways in which technique may be further developed as part of a professional ceramics practice and build ideas into future work

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to liaise with others about glaze work

critical thinking and analytical skills to:

analyse glaze science and chemistry

evaluate the needs of particular work projects, including design briefs for work

research and evaluate historical and contemporary glaze work to inform ideas

literacy skills to:

interpret product labels

read specifications and requirements

problem-solving skills to identify and solve technical glaze problems

numeracy skills to work with chemical formulas and measurements for the mixing and modification of different glazes

self-management, planning and organising skills to organise resources and work space for glazing.

Required knowledge

historical development of ceramic glazes

properties, types and purpose of glazes and different colouring agents

chemical principles relevant to the glaze-making process

benefits and disadvantages of in-glaze, on-glaze and under-glaze decoration

techniques to decorate green ware or fired ware surfaces

effects of heat on glaze

ways to make and test a glaze using chemical formulas

glaze analysis techniques, including molecular formulas and percentage analysis

ways to identify and correct glaze faults

properties and characteristics of clay body types, including commercial clay, naturally occurring clay and materials used in clay bodies – and their effects on glazes

drying characteristics of clay body and dried sample at various firing stages

characteristics, composition and function of slips and engobes

intellectual property issues and legislation for ceramics work

sustainability considerations in working with glaze materials

OHS requirements for glaze work.

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

produce a body of ceramic work that shows command of selected advanced glazing methodologies, techniques and tools

make and test original glazes for own work

evolve and refine glaze work through a demonstrated process of experimentation and problem solving

maintain accurate records of glaze work

research glaze practice and history as a source of ideas for own work.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

a safe ceramics work space

ceramic materials, tools and equipment for glazing work.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

evaluation of glazing skills within a body of work produced by the candidate

evaluation of processes used by the candidate to evolve and refine glazing technique

questioning and discussion about candidate’s intentions and the work outcome

review of portfolios of evidence

review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners.

Assessment methods should closely reflect work place demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUVACD510A Manage kiln operations.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

References may include:

art critics, cultural theorists, philosophers and social commentators

art history texts

exhibitions, museums and galleries

films

images, objects and artworks

internet

journal articles

own experience

performances and presentations

technical or medium-specific information

writings.

Intellectual property requirements may include:

copyright

extent to which the work may be used

form of acknowledgement or credit

procedures for seeking permission to use the work of others, including systems for the administration of copyright

protocols for the adaptation of work by others.

Safety issues include:

correct lifting techniques

safe disposal of waste and recycling

hazards associated with glaze work:

respiratory

ingestion

eye hazards

dermatological

physiological

legislative requirements

requirements of a safe working area

safe use of tools and equipment

use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against such things as:

clay and glaze dust

lustre and thinner fumes.

Testing may include firing in different:

atmospheres (neutral or reducing)

kiln types

temperatures.

Materials may include:

clay bodies

colouring oxides

decorating slips and engobes

glazes

raw materials used to make glazes.

Glaze making may include:

adding water

blending techniques to achieve specific characteristics

developing glazes that have particular performance characteristics

mixing and screening

preparing from formula

stirring and sieving

weighing materials.

Glazing techniques may include:

brushing

computer glaze calculation

dipping

dusting

enamels

glaze layering

in-glaze decoration

lustres

on-glaze enamels

pouring

spraying

stamping

trailing

under-glaze.

Tools and equipment may include:

brushes of varying types

carving tools

decorating tools

electronic equipment used in design work, such as computer, scanner and printer software

kilns

kiln furniture and equipment

knives and blades

measuring devices

mixing and screening equipment

protective clothing

rollers

spatulas

storage containers

tongs.

Glaze application techniques may include:

dipping, pouring and spraying

modifying applications.

Technical problems may include:

blistering

cracking

crawling

crazing

devitrification

dimpling

pinholing

peeling

running

shivering.

Records and data may include:

glaze application processes

glaze modifications

glaze recipes and sources

firing schedules.

Ways in which technique may be further developed may include:

collaboration

further study

intensive workshops

mentored guidance

new projects.


Sectors

Visual communication – ceramics


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.