I prefer to keep my work unglazed so as to preserve the texture of the clay and the marks of process, instead, choosing to rely on wood-firing to finish the surface. My technique for reduction-cooling results in the atmosphere leaving behind a darker, drier, and softer impression upon the ware. Firing up to Cone 9 allows for the subtle collaboration between clay and flame to take center-stage, slightly enhanced by ash rather than hidden by it.
Workshop description via theokidokistudio.com
This four day firing workshop led by visiting artist Caroline Roberts focuses on glazing and loading strategies for a cone 8/9 wood firing centered around reduction cooling our train kiln. Students will glaze work and load the kiln as a group on the first day. The firing takes two full days of stoking. During the firing students receive in-depth instructions on the firing process, stoking strategies, and the wood fire process. After the firing the kiln will cool, and students will return for a day of opening the kiln and discussion on the firing results.
Each participant is allotted 2.5 cubic feet or 15-20 6x6x6 inches. We also encourage students to bring a few extra “stuffer” pieces that are approximately 3x2x2. These are not priority pieces, but are easy to use to fill gaps in the kiln, and can be added if there is extra space. After registration participants will receive an email with a list of cone 10 clays and any extra information on the workshop.
Workshop Schedule:
Day-1. august 5: Students arrived at Oki Doki Studio at 9:30 a.m. Caroline will give an artist talk and presentation on train kilns. The group will spend the day discussing glazing and loading strategies as they load the kiln together, and set a stoking schedule for the remaining two days of the firing.
Day-2 and 3. August 6 and 7: Students work together during their agreed upon shifts to fire the train kiln. Learning about a variety of different stoking patterns, how to control the kiln, manage the coal bed, and how to reduction cool the kiln.
The kiln cools for four to five days after the firing. Students will return to the studio for opening day.
Day-4. August 12:
10 a.m. students return to The Oki Doki Studio to open and unload the kiln, and have a group critique to digest the outcome of the firing. The group will clean up the kiln, and also talk about strategies for cleaning and finishing the fired work.
The Oki Doki Studio provides a safe and open place for ceramic artists, of all levels, to explore atmospheric firing methods. We provide studio based workshops for students to experience firings led by established and emerging ceramic artists who ignite a passion for life-long discovery. We are committed to providing an intimate and interpersonal workshop experience where participants and instructors work together to celebrate the ceramic process and the creation and furthering of a caring community in the arts.