Posts Tagged “soda firing”

Guild members, Ginny, Jackie and Kate injecting salt burritos in the vapor kiln last April

On September 6 - less than 2 weeks from now, the guild is holding a group vapor firing for any members who want to learn about the process and participate.  Currently, only about 5-6 people use the vapor kiln at the guild.  I love the look of salt glazed pottery, and in fact, it’s mostly what I buy when I buy pottery for myself because it’s not something I make myself.  I need to get a few small pots ready between now and then so that I can get in on the action and  even think I still have a bit of cone 10 porcelain left in the studio to do so.  I don’t really know a whole lot about atmospheric firing because I fire in an electric kiln at home for convenience.  I borrowed the book below from the guild to read up on the process and philosophy before firing day.  I used to interchange soda and salt for this type of firing, but now know there’s a difference.  I’ll have to see what method the kiln director plans to use.

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Before becoming a member of the Colorado Potter’s Guild this year, I attended the show as a shopper for the past few years. This year I was both a member and a shopper. It’s hard to resist the temptation to buy everything, so I limited myself to 1 purchase. I bought the little soda fired wine cups above, by Jackie Harper and used them as soon as I got home from the show Saturday night. I suppose they could be purposed for tea or other beverages, but I knew that I was going to drink red wine from these as soon as I spotted them. It didn’t hurt that I was present the same day that Jackie was firing these little gems in the vapor kiln.

I love the look of soda fired ceramics and it looks like the guild is going to do a group soda firing this summer, so I’ll be able to get a couple of pieces in the kiln without having to sign up to fire the kiln myself. It will be a good way to try it out.

I want to thank those of you who were able to make it to the Guild’s spring sale this past weekend. Castle Clay artists have their show next weekend and I’m going to attend with a friend of mine. This year, they’ve invited some glass & jewelry artists to display their work at the show as well as a soap maker, so I’m looking forward to seeing what they produce.

Happy Monday,

~Cynthia