Once-Fire Wood-Fire

Join Henry for a deep-dive into once-firing, or firing without bisque firing, in the Art Colony’s 18 cubic wood-fired mini-phoenix kiln. Beginning with a focus on making, using wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques, students will use whatever manner of clay forming methods they see fit to make a collection of things which we will then glaze in their leather hard state and load carefully and considerately into the kiln. Once the kiln is loaded we will construct a temporary pignose firebox outside of the kiln to carefully dry out the work before proceeding to work together to fire the kiln to temperatures in excess of cone 10. The whole firing will last roughly 30 hours. Once cool we’ll unload the kiln, marvel at and discuss our results, clean up our mess, shed a few tears for good times now past, and go out for one last fresh caught white fish sandwich before parting ways. Prerequisite: foundational ceramic experience requested. Students are asked to bring the following supplies Work gloves Closed-toed shoes Natural fiber clothes to wear around fire Safety glasses Outside clays and glazes are welcome if you are 100% confident they are suitable to cone 10 firing Basic clay tools available for community use Swimming gear should you feel inclined to jump in the Big Lake Supply fee covers the following 25 pounds stoneware clay Use of studio glazes