My last Sunday Studio Visit post gave readers the heads up that I was conducting a pit firing workshop on the weekend… and it was great! Living in Australia means that I have to co-ordinate my pit firings between fire ban seasons, and living in Ballarat -cold and rainy (it is pouring as I speak)- means that scheduling a pit firing in the ‘not’ fire ban season can be risky…. I could wake up and the ground could be frozen…. well, maybe very soggy! However, the weather was perfect!! Not raining, not freezing cold, not windy….ideal! Student works had been low bisque fired in the lead up to the workshop so we were all set to go…. Saturday involved preparing the pots with seaweed, gum leaves, lemon leaves, copper wire, string, chicken wire and anything else handy; preparing the pit; loading the pit; and throwing in a match (the best bit). After a few hours of stoking corrugated iron was placed over the pit to allow for a slow overnight simmer. Sunday afternoon we explored the results – hot work!! OH&S: wear gloves!! We then cleaned and polished the works and admired the results – lots of photos and Facebook uploading!! There will be more pit firing workshops to come and you can sign up to information about upcoming events by subscribing to this blog, or I can put you on a mailing list – just contact me (link at top right hand of website). Meanwhile here are some pics of the weekend 🙂
Dawn, I didn’t realize the logistics of planning an outdoor firing such as this, but after thinking and reading your post – I’m so glad that the weather and seasonal temps cooperated. I’ve been enjoying following along on Facebook too and seeing all your pics – looks great!! I encourage others to check out your page or better, take a class w/ you if local. 🙂
Posted by artdoesmatter | September 24, 2014, 9:36 pmyes Patricia, it can be a logistical minefield…. but worth it in the end!! the results can be great as you have seen 🙂 Thanks for your ongoing support 🙂
Posted by Dawn Whitehand | September 24, 2014, 10:13 pm