September 28, 2009
Intrigued by soda-fired surfaces?
Then Soda, Clay and Fire by Gail Nichols is an indispensable resource on the materials, processes and aesthetics of soda fired pottery!
Nothing
matches the rich, vibrant texture and colors of soda firing. The orange
peel, the flashing of the flame, the various effects of soda during the
firing---they all add to the beauty and intrigue of this unique firing
technique.Soda firing is unique because it keeps you engaged in
the creative process until you turn off the kiln. And where you place
your work, how you adjust the flames, when you introduce soda---every
action affects your final result.No matter what ...
September 28, 2009
Soda Firing Techniques, Tips and Soda Glaze Recipes
With so many different firing techniques available to choose from, all
with their own set of requirements, it can be difficult decide which is
best for your work, or intimidating to experiment with a new one.
High-temperature atmospheric firing techniques, like soda, salt, wood
and reduction, can be the most challenging to learn because of the many
variables involved. To help you get started with soda firing, we've put
together Soda Firing Techniques, Tips and Soda Glaze Recipes as a free
gift. Inside, you will find articles and images from Ceramics Monthly
that demonstrate the exciting aesthetic possibilities with soda firing
and share practical technical information, soda glaze recipes,
atmospheric slip recipes, soda glazing techniques and tips for firing a...
September 1, 2009
Lisa Hammond: Intuited Grace
It is not surprising that Lisa Hammond has been described as the best
woman potter working in Britain at the moment. I would go further. I
would say that she is a prominent member of a very elite group of
perhaps ten potters who, irrespective of style, gender or genre, are at
the very top of a very competitive ladder. Hammond’s recent work exudes
the strength, style and finesse of a potter at the very peak of her
form. Classic yet somehow contemporary, crisply defined yet with a
softness of form and surface, Hammond’s pots carry with them a complete
“rightness” of orchestration that is the result of a thirty-year career
as a professional maker of pots for a domestic setting.
January 7, 2009
Converting an Electric Kiln for Wood and Gas Firing, Part 2
On Monday, Bruce Bowers explained his process for converting an old electric kiln into a gas and wood-fire kiln. Today, as promised, Bruce goes into detail about the firing schedule he uses with this kiln. Plus he explains how he gets excellent results by adding soda and salt into the mix.
January 5, 2009
Converting an Electric Kiln for Wood and Gas Firing, Part 1
After moving from a rural to an urban area, potter Bruce Bowers realized that, in order to continue to feed his passion for wood firing, he would have to get creative. And get creative, he did. With the cooperation of the studio where he was teaching at the time, Bruce converted an old electric kiln into a propane-fueled wood-burning kiln, with great results. Today, Bruce shares the process for converting the kiln and, on Wednesday, he will discuss how he fires the kiln. Good stuff!
December 18, 2008
vapor glazing
Any glaze process where the glaze results from vapor deposited within the kiln—includes salt glazing, soda glazing, fuming and wood firing (where fly ash is deposited on the ware and melted into a glaze).
December 5, 2008
charge
A quantity of chemical material, usually salt or soda, which is inserted or injected into a hot kiln during vapor-glazing processes.
December 5, 2008
carbon-trapping
Usually purposeful effect where carbon is trapped within surface of the glaze, giving smoky shaded areas, especially in shino glazes. Encouraged by slightly early body reduction; can be promoted in high-fire by brushing saturated soda ash solution over glaze.
November 5, 2008
Soda, Clay and Fire
For anyone interested in soda or salt firing, Soda, Clay and Fire covers the topic in great detail. The technical research and presentation surpass all existing literature on the topic, and the rich, vibrant examples of finished work are stunning and sure to inspire. With soda firing, the creative process continues until the kiln is turned off. Nichols' book discusses the principles behind this technique and delves into clays, glazes, loading protocols, firing schedules and more. Also included are profiles of other artists working with this technique and examples of their work.
