Firing Techniques

PIT FIRED POTTERY 

These pieces were hand built using coils/slabs of clay or hand thrown on a wheel. Some pieces were polished using terra sigillata to the exterior surface of the vessel during the drying process while other pieces were fired without terra sigillata.   Terra sigillata creates a smoother surface, but each piece is beautiful and unique due to the firing process. The wood pit firing process takes place in a 55 gallon down draft drum.  The pottery pieces were carefully layered between newspapers, sawdust, colorants and other organic materials.  This process is repeated 3 or 4 times depending on the size of the pieces.  Each piece was decorated by twisting copper or steel wool around the piece and adding color during the firing process.  No glazes were used during this firing process. The materials in the drum were set on fire and left to burn overnight. The colors on each piece of pottery were created by the swirling action of the fire and the combustible elements that were added in the drum prior to firing. Since the patterns and colors are created by the random action of the fire and the influence of the surrounding materials, each pit fired piece is uniquely original. Ash is removed from the pieces when pulled from the drum then sealer is applied to protest the finish.  These pieces were bisque fired at a low temperature and will not hold water and are not intended to be utilitarian pieces. To care for your pieces, polish lightly with a damp cloth.

RAKU 

Each piece is handcrafted, then bisque fired for strength and durability.  The vessel is then glazed and once again fired, removed while hot and placed into a reduction chamber containing combustible materials such as leaves, hard wood chips, branches and paper.  The smoke produced in the chamber reacts with the materials in the glaze to produce the stunning effects in the finished items.  These beautiful Raku pieces should be treated with care when exposed to direct sunlight.  This may cause fading over time.  Use care when cleaning the Raku.  Cleaners containing harsh chemicals could cause damage to the finish. These pieces were bisque fired at a low temperature and will not hold water. To care for your pieces, polish lightly with a damp cloth. With proper care these exquisite Raku pieces can become treasured heirlooms for many generations to come.