Wheel Throwing Video: Matt Long – Making Mugs with Movement
Today’s video is an oldie but a goodie. It’s from Matt’s Vessels for Victory DVD. One of the reasons I like this DVD is because Matt talks about the “why to” as much as the “how to.” Sometimes it is easy to concentrate only on how to throw a particular pot, but not really think about the aesthetic choices made along the way. But Matt reminds us to keep thinking about why we make those choices and about how effective they are visually and functionally.
An Introduction to Salt-Soda Firing – Kiln Considerations and Loading Techniques that Enhance Results
In today’s video, Gordon Hutchens gives us a quick introduction to the salt/soda firing technique. He explains some of the considerations that go into building a salt/soda kiln (do not try this in an electric kiln or any other kiln that you wish to use for any other type of firing!). He also discusses some of the ways you can get great decorative results from the way the ware is placed in the kiln. If you wanted to know more about salt/soda firing, this video is a great place to start!
The Many Layers of Kiln Wash: How to Find the Best Kiln Wash for Your Firing Temperature and Methods
In this post, John Britt explains that giving a bit more consideration to kiln wash might help potters avoid some of the common kiln wash headaches – like scraping cracked kiln wash off shelves or lamenting an otherwise perfect piece that was ruined by a flake of kiln wash. Plus he shares some kiln wash recipes for various firing techniques.
Painting with Fire: Recipes and Techniques for Soda Firing
I can get lost in the sumptuous surfaces of Gail Nichols’ soda fired work. The way she skillfully “paints” her pots through the firing process is fascinating and the results are breathtaking – from the rich dimpled textures to her trademark “soda ice” blue hues. Though I have never participated in a soda firing, it rose to the top of my “must do list” after reading Nichols’ book . Now, I just need to find someone willing to share their soda kiln (sigh). In today’s feature, we bring you a couple of Gail Nichols’ recipes and techniques for soda firing.
In the Soda Zone
After reading Gail Nichols’ book Soda, Clay and Fire and her article in Ceramics Monthly by the same name, Mark Bollwinkel and his potter friends decided to do some experimenting with soda firing in the wood kiln they fire together.
