Firing
Kiln firing in room
There are three electric kilns in the club room and the appropriate kiln furniture. These kilns are available for use by members and there is a booking system and fees apply. Pottery from the adult and children’s classes is fired in the kilns by the pottery teachers.
Raku firing
Raku firing is adapted from a traditional method of Japanese ceramic making. An aluminium container, such as old aluminium rubbish bins, is used as the reduction chamber with a small hole allowing carbon dioxide to pass through. Gas is often used as the burning fuel. This method of firing produces unpredictable visual results and intense, even metallic-looking, colourations.
The club has raku firings a few times a year. All potters are welcome to join us for these events. They are held outdoors, usually by people who volunteer the use of their rural or semi-rural properties. These events always provide a great day or weekend of camaraderie. Many potters bring along some bisqued pottery pieces and on the first day the pieces are glazed, followed by being fired, reduced and admired!
Pit firing
The club also does pit firing several times a year. All potters are welcome to join us for these events. They are held outdoors, usually by people who volunteer the use of their private properties. The non-glazed pottery is decorated to show greens and reds. We usually use a 2×1 meter pit. The pit ends up with a layering of sawdust, wood, leaves and pottery. The fire reaches the bottom of the pit in 24 to 48 hours. We return a week later to open the pit and collect our cooled, beautiful, natural smoke designs.