Process
Smoke Fired Ceramics
I prefer smoke firing to glazing my pieces. I like the unexpected results from each firing. Prior to smoking, I may treat a piece with copper oxide wash and/or terra sigillata. Sometimes I leave the piece bare.
The pieces are stacked in an old garbage can between layers of sawdust that I get from a cabinet maker. Each time I collect sawdust, the mix is differs depending on the wood he is using. Sometimes I will add pine needles and cones, grass, dry leaves, shredded paper or shavings from a nearby stable to the mix. A fire on top lights the sawdust, and once it catches well, the lid is put on and the work smoulders away for 12-36 hours.
Sophie, my canine kiln sitter, keeps an eye on the firings. Even when the temperature dips to -35 degrees (celsius or farenheit--it's cold!!) she seldom deserts her post!
I prefer smoke firing to glazing my pieces. I like the unexpected results from each firing. Prior to smoking, I may treat a piece with copper oxide wash and/or terra sigillata. Sometimes I leave the piece bare.
The pieces are stacked in an old garbage can between layers of sawdust that I get from a cabinet maker. Each time I collect sawdust, the mix is differs depending on the wood he is using. Sometimes I will add pine needles and cones, grass, dry leaves, shredded paper or shavings from a nearby stable to the mix. A fire on top lights the sawdust, and once it catches well, the lid is put on and the work smoulders away for 12-36 hours.
Sophie, my canine kiln sitter, keeps an eye on the firings. Even when the temperature dips to -35 degrees (celsius or farenheit--it's cold!!) she seldom deserts her post!
