05/09/2010

I'm a newbie on woodfiring, does anyone have tips?

I am so excited! :-D
A few weeks ago came across a website of a Dutch potter who fires his work in a wood/soda kiln.
If you want to take a look at his work, here's the link: http://www.vrijetijdspottenbakker.nl/

I send him an email to tell him how much I like the 'natural' look of wood fired pots and to ask him if he would be willing to let me in on a firing as to learn more about this.
At first he was reluctant but we did make an appointment to meet.
So last weekend I went to see him, he showed me around and told me a lot about his work and firings and so on.
After an hour or 2 he said he would be willing to 'share' his next firing with me.
Yeah! :-D
He told me to make 15 (small) pieces, biscfire them, bring them over and then we would fire the kiln together!! Maybe even with soda.

If any of you have any tips, tricks or suggestions on making pieces for a wood/soda firing please feel free to comment.
Christie form Windy Ridge pottery has already given me some tips on slips, thanks Christie!
They make beautiful pieces, if you don't know them yet, look them up in my bloglist.

So now I'm cleaning my workspace, (getting rid of the low firing clay), thinking of what to make, making lists and having a go at throwing this high fire clay.

I remember posting not to long ago about my kiln not working anymore and hoping that if one door closes another would soon open.
Well, this is a huge opportunity for me! Who knows where it will lead to right?
Thank you Bert, for your time and your willingness to teach me!

This pic is not related at all! But a post without a picture just doesn't feel right. :-)
This is an urn I made a couple of years ago for my aunt. She loved cats......
My aunts ashes are not in there anymore but the urn sits in her brothers garden.
He had his birthday last week and told me that their grandchildren, when they are playing around in the garden, sometimes go over to the urn and say: Thats auntie Cor! Isn't that sweet?

7 comments:

Linda Starr said...

I love cats and that is one beautiful urn.

Teresa Evangeline said...

It is a very cool urn. I knew a potter in Santa Fe who was making urns for ashes. This cat even has an Egyptian thing going, as they loved their cats. I'm happy for you, that you get to share in the firing and have a new experience. A long passageway of open doors comes to mind....

Tracey Broome said...

Great urn! I think as far as shapes go, more rounded pieces that can catch the ash are nice, but rally anything would do. Maybe google some wood fire potters and look at forms that you like of their work.Baskets and vases are really nice wood fired.

Acácia Azevedo Studio Pottery said...

Hi Monique! My wood fired pieces are always a little bit thicker, due the time firing, 36 hours for me, in my Sensei's anagama kiln. Thin pieces, depending of the shape, can deform. I don´t have enought experience in soda firing, but I really apreciated. Wishing lucky to you! By the way, the urn looks great!

Monique said...

Thanks for your comments and tips ladies! :-)

i have already made some 'rounder' shapes!
The tip on throwing a bit bigger is a good one, I usually
like to through on the thin side.

OOhh, i love that thought Theresa... :-)

Teresa Evangeline said...

Good Morning! Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you.... I trust all is well in your corner of the world.
Hugs,
Teresa

Hannah said...

Sorry, apologies if I leave this twice. Thanks for commenting on my blog, you got the correct answer. Drop me your address and I'll pop a little something in the post.
Hannah
info@hannahmcandrew dot co dot uk