Firing With A Plan

Firing the Bill Moon wood kiln.

Today, the writing was done between the stokes of the wood kiln. The kiln, at this point now, is stoked every ten minutes with four pieces of hardwood and one slab of soft. The kiln had been firing for over twenty-four hours so far, and the temperature and the firing had been going to plan. This is a carefully thought-out plan. Rather than simply making temperature, the goal is also working with firing techniques that will influence the look of the pots.

The plan is to intentionally stall the kiln and choke it out for an early full-body reduction process at the bisque stage and then when the kiln is cleared of smoke and fuel for an hour. After that, the normal firing process begins again. The stoking of wood is based on reading the kiln. Learning to read kilns is an art form.

It's a privilege to be here firing with the team here at Imagine Peace Pottery and learning the more advanced and planned firing techniques rather than simply having the goal of making temperature. Having a plan means thinking about how to influence the pots by even the type of wood or materials burned.

In this firing, raku low-fire pots were made by placing them in the rear of the kiln near the chimney. At the correct temperature, a built-in back door was opened, and pots were pulled out hot and reduced in a container, creating copper colors and smoke lines.

At wood firings community is built. Many other artists gathered to fire work, some from long distances to participate. An Amish family brought doughnuts, and the family and children stopped by, and a few customers came to see the firing. It was a privilege to learn from such a fantastic community of people and make new friends. It’s about time to stoke again.