Fall 2020 Firing Workshop: Low-Fire Soda Surprise
Fall 2020 Firing Workshop: Low Fire Soda Surprise
Unloading: Tuesday, November 17 OR Wednesday, November 18
Instructor: Nate Hood
Loading: Saturday, November 14
Firing: Sunday, November 15
Soda firing is an atmospheric firing technique in which soda ash is introduced into the kiln as it nears top temperature. The sodium reacts with clay and glaze to create variations in color and texture on pieces within the kiln. This workshop will be geared towards the subtle but exciting effects of soda firing at low temperatures (Cone 3). Hint: Earthen Red is a good clay choice, as it will vitrify and work well at a range of temperatures!
This is your last opportunity to check out Claymakers' alley soda kiln before our big move! After this, we're not sure when we'll be able to offer a soda firing again.
This is a low-residency workshop; there will be no in-studio instruction / making of pieces. Participants should bring wheel-thrown or handbuilt work they've made at home and bisqued. Nate will send you some suggestions for successful glazing in the soda kiln. Participants can use these guidelines in glazing and wadding their pieces, using Claymakers' one-hour glazing appointments.
We'll load and fire the weekend of November 14, then unload the following week. All participants should expect to attend the loading / firing and help unload and clean the kiln.
Our soda kiln has room for 6 shelves that are 5" to 6" high; folks could expect to get at least 10-12 cup or mug-sized objects in the kiln. Bring what you have and we'll see what we can make fit!
We'll break for lunch as time allows--students should bring their own lunches to eat outside during the firing.
Due to Claymakers' move, the last day for pickup of finished work will be Saturday, November 28. All work left after this time will be discarded.
Note: All students must follow Claymakers' COVID protocol and sign a COVID waiver.
Safety: All participants must wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants (cotton only, no synthetic materials) and closed-toe shoes. We will provide gloves and heat shields for those who choose to pull pieces from the kilns. All participants must sign a liability waiver on the morning of the workshop.