Blog 9, Fall 2024

I had a pretty busy week outside of the studio so I wasn't able to get as much of my own work done as I wanted to. I was able to load and fire the soda kiln with Emma and the help of Brian! Which was super exciting. I truly learned so much doing the process first hand and am already excited for what is to come next. I was able to unload the kiln on Friday, and I can’t say I am super pleased with the work that was in there. It turned out a lot darker and blue/green than I was anticipating. On the other hand Emma’s looked great, and I know I can have a more successful firing if I were to do it again. I might need to think about a different clay body or to change the recipe some because the red art turns out way too dark in reduction. A Lot of the slips I tested didn't look great on the final work so I think I will stick with a plain clay body for now. I spent the rest of the day making some functional work on the wheel to take my mind off of being disappointed. Oh also made two little pots in the creek clay I processed and I was hoping to pit fire those. I also made a square block of compressed porcelain sheets that after firing I was to shave the sides down with an angle grinder to make a nice flat surface and to reveal all of the layers inside. I think the contrast between the wild pit fired clay on top of the podium of delicate porcelain would make an interesting combo.