Wood and Soda Fired Ceramics

This course will investigate the technical and aesthetic possibilities of firing with wood and soda. Students are introduced to and participate in the entire firing process including: the preparation of the kilns and ceramic pieces for firing, firing speed, atmospheric changes, introduction of ash or sodium, cooling processes, unloading of the kilns and clean up of the artwork. Assigned and self-directed projects will be made using a variety of hand building and wheel throwing techniques. Various clay bodies, slips and glazes will also be explored in order to achieve the most desirable results.