Firing Techniques
These are the different firing processes that we use to create our artisan work. Each technique creates a different feel to the finished item making it either functional or decorative.
Conventional Bisque and Glaze firing
We have two conventional electric ceramic kilns which we use to bisque fire the raw clay to 1000 C ready for glazing. We tend to fire our work to stoneware temperatures of 1200 C when glazing enabling the piece to be used functionally in the case of a vase or bowl.
Raku Firing
Raku is the time-honoured Japanese art of firing ceramics in a gas-fired kiln in the open air.
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A raku kiln is made from ceramic fibre blanket encased in a mesh cage with a port at the bottom for the gas burner and an equal sized vent in the top.
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This is a quick method of firing, and the top end firing temperature of 1000 - 1060 C can be easily achieved within 30 minutes.
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The fired work is then removed from the kiln, still red hot, using tongs and placed in a bin of combustible material such as hay or straw. After a period of smoking (about 15 minutes) the piece is plunged into hot water. This can cause crazing of the glazes redolent of this technique.
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Raku clay is specially manufactured to withstand these extremes of temperature.
Pit Firing
Pit firing in its basic form involves digging a pit in the ground and lining it with a layer of sawdust.
The bisque-fired pieces are then laid onto the bed and various organic and combustible materials are sprinkled over them. These can be as varied as copper oxide powder, salt, dried leaves, egg shells, mussel shells, even banana skins!
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Each element can cause a base reaction during the firing to create hues of red, green and black. Trial and error will give the potter some idea as to how different things react during the firing.
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Once these combustibles have been added wood is piled up onto the ceramic pieces, lit and covered with sheets of metal once the fire has died down.
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In total firing can take in excess of 24 hours but the results are worth the effort.
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At the pottery we use a temporary 'pit' constructed of kiln bricks which are thermally more efficient.
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