Burnished Pit Fire Pots (Coil + Terra Sigillata)

Burnished Pit Fire Pots



Day one - 2/28

On day one there will be a short presentation on pit firing effects, methods and coloring strategies. We will coil/pinch build a smooth, sculptural vessel with pit-firing aesthetics in mind. The vessel construction will focus on asymmetry, non-curvilinear forming and surface smoothing/compression.



Day two - 3/1

The pieces will be “force-dried” overnight to a leather hard state. We will then explore different burnishing and terra sigillata techniques to achieve a surface that will emphasize the nature of pit firing. (Terra sigillata is a highly refined clay slip with a lustrous, smooth surface, traditionally used in ancient Roman pottery. It's known for creating a polished, almost waterproof surface on pottery)



Pit fire day - 3/26. 2pm-6pm

Participants do not need to be present on this day to have their piece fired. Those who do attend will be instructed in pre-firing surface treatments like combustible wraps, metallic oxide sprays and foil saggers.

You may also like the following events from Ilwaco Artworks Community Clay Studio:

• This Friday, 27th February, 05:30 pm, Terra Cotta Planters Clay Play in Ilwaco
• This Saturday, 28th February, 10:00 am, Small Lidded Jars Clay Play in Ilwaco
• Next Friday, 6th March, 05:30 pm, Garden Markers Clay Play in Ilwaco