Smoke firing

 
My work is thrown and/or hand-built from white stoneware clay, containing a small amount of natural substances to improve its resistance to thermal shock during the smoke-firing process.

The creations are coated with layers of terra sigillata, a thin wash of the smallest particles of different clays.

I use only the simplest materials: water, clay and natural oxides for coloring.  First bisque-fired to 1830 degrees F (cone 06), each piece is then smoked in sawdust in a garbage can or a special kiln made from an old oil drum.  No glaze is used.  

The firing temperature-lower than for most functional ceramics-results in a porosity that allows the smoke to pervade the clay, but also leads to a more fragile and ephemeral product.  The pieces-with an occasional exception–are not intended to hold food or water.

The unique fire markings are captured in a smoking process that can range from 12 hours to as little as a few minutes.  Wood-shavings from different trees offer a range of colors introduced by the natural chemicals released by various woods.  

Smoke-firing in oil drum kiln slideshow

Fire-marking in a simple barbecue slideshow