Atmospheric Firing
About our kiln, Woodrow.
OUR WOOD-FIRE PROCESS.
PRODUCTION TIME :
6-7 weeks.
LOAD-IN:
Full day.
FIRING DURATION:
Average 23 hours.
FUEL:
Wood.
AMOUNT OF WARES:
380-400.
COOL-DOWN:
Average 5 days.
POST FIRING:
Average 7 days to sand, test and photograph.
The wood-firing process is a labour of love. Our turnaround time is slow due to the long production cycles, but if we have a “successful” firing the treasures are plenty.
Ryan and I chose a manabigama style wood kiln. Comparatively speaking, it is a medium sized wood kiln, it allows the two of us to fire it independently. Once we reach our peak temperature (1300+°C) we introduce soda ash and sodium bicarbonate into our firebox. The soda vaporizes and reacts with the silica in the clay creating a glazed surface. The fly ash from the burning wood settles on our wares as it moves through the chamber. The ash melts and crystallizes creating a natural ash glaze. The flames pass around our pots as they try to escape out the chimney, as they dance around our wares they flash their mark onto the surface of the clay leaving beautiful oranges, reds and browns, depending on the clay body.
The surface results of wood-fired wares is authentic and unique. We take great care in sanding and testing our wares after the firing process. We smooth areas that can be softened and sometimes areas remain rough to the touch. This is the charm and influence of the atmosphere in the kiln. It's what is romantic about the process and as potters we celebrate the birth of each ware in the kiln like a brand new discovery. They beauty and uniqueness to each ware in unparalleled with other firing methods, in our humble opinion.
Each firing yields different success rates and different results.
Wood + Soda Fired Wares
High-fire Atmospheric Process
Mugs
Espresso Cups
A little husband and wife collab. Form and decoration by Ryan handles by Johann.
Tumblers
Bowls
