Pit-Firing Workshop
Pit-Firing Workshop with Kimberly Kersey-Asbury
Saturdays, February 1st, 2-5pm and February 15th, 9am-7pm
Two sessions/6+ hours
Pit-firing, the oldest known firing method in the world, remains an accessible and fun way to create beautiful organic surfaces on pottery. Students will learn the basics of the process and its rich history, as well as some contemporary innovations. In the first session, Kimberly will cover the unique considerations for making and decorating pieces especially for pit-firing. In the second session, students will work together with their instructor to load the pots into the outdoor pit, then build and maintain the wood-fueled fire that completes this interactive process. Students are invited to participate in only the decoration and loading, or to stay for the all-day firing. Pit-firing is an opportunity to connect deeply with the materials and processes of the ceramic arts, and it is also a wonderful community builder! Bring your curiosity and can-do attitudes to this mid-winter alternative firing. No experience needed/all levels welcome.
Materials Included:
10 lbs of white or brown stoneware clay. Clay tools available to borrow.
Recommended to Bring:
apron, cotton hand-towel, texture or clay tools of your choice, as well as banana peels, copper wire, coffee grounds as possible colorants during firing process. Warm outdoor clothes for session 2.