Permaculture meets ceramics in the low-wood, low emission firing technology of the Rocket Kiln, based on the smokeless Rocket Stove technology. All temperatures up to ^10 oxidation can be achieved in a few hours using an old electric kiln atop an efficiently designed firing chamber that uses one-fourth or less of the fuel typically used to fire. In this workshop participants will assemble the firebox, modify a discarded electric kiln shell, stack the kiln with their pieces and do a cone 6 and 10 soda firing. For fuel, the kiln needs about 5 or 6 dry disassembled pallets or use other dry kindling. Because this fires with no visible smoke, it can be placed in an urban driveway, art center, or off-grid studio. Additionally, Lisa will give a lecture and demonstration of her making process.
In this 3-day workshop we will fire 3 times to 3 temperatures, a low fire soda, a cone 6 soda and a cone 10 soda. Participants will gain experience by firing a low fire soda kiln with their work on the morning of the first day, then build a new rocket kiln by upcycling a discarded electric kiln paired with the unique rocket firing chamber. We will fire this kiln on day two to cone 6 with cups of soda, and fire it again to cone 10, again with cups of soda, on day three. Participants should bring approximately 20-25 (mug sized or smaller) test pieces to be fired as an opportunity to see potential effects. All pots need to be bisque fired. Wadding and flashing slip and glaze will be provided. Recipes and handouts of the brick layout will be available.
The workshop cost is $375. This includes wadding, flashing slip and glaze. Recipes and handouts of the brick layout will be available.
And lunch will be provided.
