Special Workshop: Firing the Soda Kiln

Firing the Soda Kiln – Slips, Glazes and Firing Process for Cone 10

Suitable for intermediate and advanced students interested in furthering their understanding of glazing and firing experience

MULTIPLE DATES/TIMES, READ BELOW

$135 for members / $145 for non-members

MEMBERS: Use code "Member10" at checkout to receive your discount.

Explore the process of soda firing, an exciting technique that can result in stunning and unique surfaces. This workshop is ideal for the independent maker, studio member or student to take part in firing our new soda kiln. Students will be expected to come to the first meeting with bisqued work made of a clay body suitable for a cone 10 firing.  Slips, glazes, firing fees, and a step towards gaining certification to fire the soda kiln are included in your workshop fee. If you need access to firing services and are not currently a Clay Studio member or student, please contact us regarding additional processing fees.   

Class Meeting Dates:
Saturday February 22, 10am-1pm – Introduction to slips & glazes for cone 10 soda firing
Ethan will share examples of fired works and introduce students to the glazes and slips they can use for the upcoming firing, including application and wadding. Students will have a chance to glaze work during this meeting, with time to glaze during open studio access throughout the week, if needed.  Ethan will discuss the firing schedule and timeline for the following week’s firing timeline, so participants will be able to assist and learn alongside Ethan throughout the process.

Friday February 28, 5pm-8pm – Loading the Kiln + Candling
Participants will work together to load the kiln. Ethan will discuss loading strategies, including the dos and don’ts of cone packs, intentional placement of works, and best practices in loading a stack. Once fully loaded, Ethan will discuss the candling of the kiln and targets to kiln temperature the following morning

Saturday, March 1/Sunday, March 2  – Kiln firing
Participants will have determined shift times and activities with Ethan during the 2/22 class meeting. Key activities will include body reduction, spraying soda into the kiln, and the reduction cooling process.

Wednesday, March 5, starting at 5pm – Kiln unload
As the class unloads the firing, Ethan will discuss firing results the class and troubleshoot any issues or results. Proper clean-up of works will be discussed as well as the clean-up of the kiln and kiln furniture, which is an essential part of the full firing practice .