What is the process of making maiolica ceramics and tiles?
The clay found in each region of the world is unique. Sicilian clay, used in terra cotta earthenware is different from the clay of Mexico or Mongolia because it contains a combination of silicates unique to Sicily. This clay, freshly mined from the Sicilian mountains and valleys, is moulded by hand and then left to dry under the sun. In the first stage of the process, the tile or ceramic is then given a first, biscuit, firing. After this first firing, the ceramic is dry and porous. It is then ready to be glazed and is either coated with or dipped into a special liquid tin glaze characterised by its added oxide (ashes). This glaze leaves a matt white layer on the surface of the ceramic, concealing the colour of the clay beneath. The ceramic is then ready to be painted as the glaze provides a clean white surface on which the artist can paint using coloured glazes made from specific metals (blue cobalt, yellow antimony, red iron, green copper, purple manganese). Once painted onto the whit
