Women’s Fall Wood & Salt Firing

Come join fellow women potters at Adamah’s catenary chamber wood/salt kiln. Participants will bring unglazed bisqueware and then slip, glaze, load, and fire the wood kiln together.  While the kiln cools, we will make pots, discuss various kiln designs and firing strategies, and replenish the wood supply for the next firing.

Please bring 50 to 70 unglazed bisque-fired Cone 10 stoneware or porcelain pieces of various sizes and shapes. We will discuss and learn the effects we can expect from the raw clay by itself, as well as the studio bisque slips and glazes. Work that is appropriate to be stacked rim to rim with a liner glaze or left raw will be encouraged.  Low open forms like plates and bowls will likely fit in the kiln when left raw or slipped as well.  We will learn about creative stacking of the pots to take advantage of the flame and salt, as well as pack the kiln in an efficient manner.  There is always room for small fillers in the kiln.

The workshop includes several studio glazes, in-depth instruction, and group problem-solving. The workshop will conclude at the end of unloading and cleanup on Tuesday.. Breakfast on Tuesday is included. 

Wednesday & Thursday: We will begin with lunch and a slide talk by Linda.  This will cover things to consider while preparing our work for the kiln.  What are slips, glazes, wadding, stacking…..everything we will consider. Linda will help you come up with some personal strategies while glazing and moving pieces up to the kiln

Thursday:  We will set up several stations outside of the kiln to preload our work.  Everyone will get a chance to learn and make decisions.  Loading, bricking the door, and beginning to fire the kiln Thursday evening.

Friday: Firing all day and into the evening.  Salting of the kiln at the end of the firing.

Saturday – Monday: While the kiln cools, we will make pots, discuss various kiln designs and firing strategies, and replenish the wood supply for the next firing. Optional slide talks in the evening about wood kilns

Tuesday: Kiln Unloading & Cleanup (breakfast)

After unloading the kiln, we will clean the kiln shelves and posts and spend some time looking at and reflecting on the fired work that comes out of the kiln.

Please note: This is a physically demanding workshop. Part of the woodfire process includes splitting and preparing wood for the next firing to come. This workshop may require an overnight/early morning stoking shift. There is also no guarantee that all pieces will get fired due to space or size of pieces.

Important Participation Requirements: Participants are responsible for bringing their own bisque-fired work to the workshop and must be present for both kiln loading and unloading. Please plan your travel accordingly, as loading and unloading are essential parts of the wood-firing experience. Kiln space is limited, and firing all submitted pieces cannot be guaranteed due to space constraints and the size and shape of individual works.

Materials Needed: 

• 50–70 cone 10 bisque-fired pieces in a variety of sizes
• Clothing made from “natural fibers” 
• Closed-toe shoes suitable for studio and kiln work
• Work gloves
• Water bottle
• Safety glasses
• Mask

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View frequently asked questions here!