February 1, 2010
Clay and Atmosphere: A Guide to Ceramic Kilns and Firing Methods
We all have so many different approaches to our own ceramic art that it can feel like we're coming from entirely different perspectives---and often we are, which is why the conversations we have here on Ceramic Arts Daily can get so interesting. One of the things we all have in common, however, is that we all need to fire our work if we want it to last. Okay, there are some who are experimenting with ideas of permanence and fragility who make raw clay objects solely for the purpose of letting them erode, but that's the exception rather than the rule. The rest of us need a kiln. Not only that; we need to know how to use it, what ...
July 15, 2009
Fish Tales: A Ceramic Artist Interprets Personal History Through Raku Sculpture
Ceramic sculptor Lisa Merida Paytes tells us about her work and takes us through the process of creating and raku firing one of her skeletal fish sculptures.
April 13, 2009
Raku, Pit & Barrel: Firing Techniques
In Raku, Pit & Barrel: Firing Techniques
you’ll discover some of the most beautiful alternatively fired work, as
well as extensive how-to techniques and step-by-step instructions to
help you duplicate the processes in your own studio. Explore dozens of
techniques and discover the many special effects available using these
ancient firing methods. You’ll love the experience of working with
glowing red-hot pieces in a raku kiln, uncovering pots from a pit fire
or peeling the aluminum foil off your latest saggar experiment.
December 17, 2008
pit-firing
A type of bonfire-firing where wares are buried in sawdust in a pit in the ground and a bonfire is built on top, so that the fire and coals slowly burn away the sawdust and fire the wares. Not to be confused with sawdust smoking.
December 5, 2008
blackware firing
Bonfire firing that is smothered with manure and/or sawdust at maximum temperature and then buried in sand, dirt, or ash, to trap smoke, causing wares to turn black.
