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Wood Firing
A method of firing pottery in a fuel burning kiln (using wood) rather than gas. Temperatures beyond cone 10 can be achieved.
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Details
Wood firing differs from gas and salt firing in that the fuel itself becomes part of the surface process: flame, ash, and volatilized alkalis from burning wood interact directly with the clay over many hours or days to produce flashing, ash glaze, and highly variable surfaces.
The technique is used by necessity in many countries and by choice in others. A properly designed kiln is capable of delivering high temperatures and so it is very practical to make stoneware and porcelain.
Wood-fired ware is prized because no two pieces are ever alike: the long firing, moving flame, drifting ash, and kiln atmosphere leave each pot with surfaces that record the firing itself, giving it a depth, spontaneity, and sense of natural history that cannot be duplicated in gas or electric kilns.
Related Information
Large wood-fired slip-decorated vessels
By Kate Johnston of NC, USA
This picture has its own page with more detail, click here to see it.
Kate’s pots are made with local materials, boldly carved with organic patterns inspired by Art Deco design, and fired in a large wood-burning kiln. Kate shows her pots internationally and has lectured and taught throughout the USA.
Test piece to demonstrate flashing
From a Manabigama wood fired kiln
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From Robert Self. This firing went past cone 13. The body is Laguna Speckstone.
Redart-as-a-glaze test piece
Wood-fired on Laguna B-Mix
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Fired to cone 13 in a Manabigama wood fired kiln.
Flashing from wood firing
The range of possible surfaces
This picture has its own page with more detail, click here to see it.
Made by Robert Self. This is Laguna White Stoneware body fired to cone 13 in a Manabigama wood fired kiln.
Links
| Glossary |
Kiln Firing
All types of ceramic are fired in a kiln to cement particles together to produce a hard and water and temperature resistant product. |
| Glossary |
Flashing
A visual effect that occurs in wood and salt firing of ceramic ware. Many potters value the effect and use special materials and firing methods to enhance it. |
| By Tony Hansen Follow me on        |  |
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