Gas Kiln Firing Workshop

A Dash of Salt: Gas Kiln Firing Workshop
October 18 & 19 with kiln unload October 26
Optional glaze workshop: October 17
Kiln Workshop Fee: $200*
Glaze Workshop Fee: $20
Workshop is limited to 6 participants
 
 
Everything is better with a dash of salt! Join Reed Fahnestock, Watershed’s Studio Manager, to learn about the effects created by the introduction of salt to a high-fire kiln environment. We will fire Watershed’s 18 cubic foot gas-salt kiln, introducing sodium in the final stages of firing. You will learn about the history of salt firing and how to fire Watershed’s salt kiln, including loading, safety, and bricking up the door. You will learn how different clays, slips, and glazes affect the finished appearance of ceramics when exposed to sodium vapor. This workshop also serves as an orientation for local artists interested in renting the Watershed salt kiln for future firings.
 

A separate glaze workshop will be offered on Thursday evening for those interested in using Watershed’s stock glazes. These cone ten glazes have been selected for their suitability in atmospheric firing environments on both stoneware and porcelain. Reed will discuss individual glazes, application methods and the results that can be expected from different slips and glazes.

*Maine K-12 art teachers may attend this workshop with support from a $150 scholarship. See sidebar below for information and teacher scholarship application. Teachers only need to submit the scholarship application and do not need to also register via the link above.

What to Bring

All work must be cone 10 stoneware or porcelain. Work should be bisque fired and glazed in advance (unless you are attending the glaze workshop) and should not exceed eight inches in any dimension. Smaller work is encouraged to fit between larger pieces. The kiln is approximately 18 cu ft., allowing for approximately 3 cu ft of stacking space per person.

Schedule

Thursday, October 17, 2019
5:00 pm
Optional Glaze Workshop
4:00-5:00pm: Arrive with bisque ware ready to glaze (pre-waxed if so needed).
5pm: Discussion of Watershed stock glazes, including application advice, followed by time for questions and answers.
Glazing until finished
 
Friday, October 18
5:00 pm
Loading and Candling
All participants should arrive with work glazed and ready to load.
We will discuss the variables involved in stacking the kilns followed by a Q &A
This will be followed by time dedicated to wadding work for the salt kiln.
Participants will all assist in loading the kiln and bricking up the door.
The kiln will be lit and candled over night.
 
Saturday, October 19
9:00 am
Kiln Firing
While participants are welcome to return to campus earlier, all participants should arrive no later than 9:00 am. We will fire the kiln throughout the course of the day with completion occurring sometime in the early evening (6/7pm). Throughout the day, Reed will provide information regarding the various stages of firing, including body and glaze reduction cycles, as well as the introduction of salt to the kiln. All participants will contribute to the firing process.
 
Saturday, October 26
10:00 am
Unloading
We will allow ample time for examining, comparing and discussing results. Please plan on 1 hour following the discussion to assist in cleaning the kiln and the shelves.