Mojave Mountain Firing Methods

There are several methods of firing pottery depending on how you want to use the piece and the look you want to attain. Please read about the different methods below.

The method of firing pottery in an electric kiln is referred to as oxidation firing. During this
process, the kiln produces an atmosphere known as oxidizing. Air is allowed into the firing
chamber, thus supplying the atmosphere with sufficient oxygen at all times. Oxidation firing
has a remarkable, influence on glazes.

Colors are usually vivid and appear unbroken. A number of good glazes for electric kilns
have been developed, and it is up to the artist to make the choice according to personal
preference.

A gas kiln, or fuel burning kiln, can produce either a reduction or oxidation firing. In the reduction process, the air flowing into the kiln is carefully controlled; consequently creating an atmosphere that is oxygen poor. Reduction-fired ware tends to have fragmented color, resulting in strong visual texture.

A number of potters prefer to produce reduction-fired ware. However, many building codes today allow the use of a fuel-burning kiln only in an approved environment, which makes using this method in a home studio almost impossible.

In my own work I am drawn to the more exciting process of reduction
and Raku firing, and I use this method whenever I can. However, there are times when oxidation firing is more suitable for my small, hand-built animals and nativity sets. I am proficient in both procedures, and I apply the appropriate method to achieve each individually desired outcome.

My long-time passion is the method of salt firing, and I use this process, whenever available, as well.

The Art of Raku firing dates back to the 16th Century. Korean potters under Japanese rule developed the technique. In the 1950's 60's it was popularized in the United States. Raku vessels were used for tea ceremonies; however, westernized Raku is strictly used as non-functional ware.

The process of Raku firing: For my Raku pots I use white stoneware clay; special Raku clay is available in ceramic supply stores. When the object is dry it gets bisque fired in an electric kiln. After that a Raku glaze is applied and the object is placed in a Raku kiln. The Raku kiln that I have access to is an Olympic propane fired kiln. The ware is heated slowly and when it is glowing hot (around 1950 degrees) I take the object out and place it in a metal garbage can that has either shredded newspapers, straw or hay in it. The material is allowed to flame up before the lid is placed on the garbage can for reduction. After ten minutes it gets taken out and exposed to the air. Some potters, myself included sometimes spray water over the object others just let the pot cool in the air. After the object has cooled, I scrub it under water with a brush and Ajax to clean some of the reduction material off which may be stuck to it.

Many books have been written about the origin of and the westernization of Raku. Your local library will most likely carry a copy and there is certainly a lot of information on the Internet.

To me, the unpredictability of a Raku firing is what I love most, let's face it, in the firing you have the most primal elements, earth, fire, water, air.

Send mail to SimpleSolutions4U@comcast.net with questions or comments about this web site.