Well, the 1st pit fire of the year is complete. The weather complied just enough to let us do it. We had to dig a new pit since the vehicles could not cross the creek to our normal pit we have used in the past. This pit is a true pit and we needed to jump into it. It was so deep initially we hit ground water and had to fill it in to get a solid base. When we returned to open the pit, it had filled part way with water submerging most of the pots. We only fired about 35 pieces, of which about 30 survived. I think we were too rough loading it and broke most of those in the process. We did get some awesome reds on some of the pieces and several blue areas. The oranges were not as prevalent this time, will have to work on that. Over all not bad considering the weather, we have several nice pieces which I will take pics soon and post.
We also played with a salt box kiln. The results were mixed. I will continue to play with it and try to get the results I think it should produce.

Pit Fire

As you may have guessed we have not gotten out to the pit. Schedules and weather have not been cooperating. But, never fear, we have the van loaded and ready to go. We are going 1st thing in the morning. They are forecasting rain, anywhere between a 20%-80% chance in the afternoon. We are hoping to have the pit covered before the rain falls. We may squeeze in a barrel firing and maybe a saltbox. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Open House

First off want to thank everyone who made it out the open house in Cedar Falls, and thanks to Beth and Steve for having us there. It was a great time.
On our way back we stopped at the Prairie Moon Gallery in Luverne, MN. We updated her selection with a few newer pieces, she still has one of the best pit fire pieces I have ever done. If you are in the area, check it out before she buys it herself.
The weather is looking like we might be able to get to the pit, planning on next weekend if we can get across the creek. Hopefully we can and we will have some new work to post.

It been crazy this week and I believe the next couple weeks are going to the same if not worse. I am currently spending any/all free time in the studio trying to have enough pieces for a couple pit firings to fill the vacancies in some of the galleries. Speaking of galleries, Remember Friday night in Cedar Falls is the open house, come if you are able. Also we delivered a round of fresh work to Piper Gallery here in Sioux Falls. Check them out at http://www.pipercustomframing.com/

Mark you calenders, here is the official announcement of our open house in Cedar Falls, IA! Sounds like fun hope to see you there.

Here is a couple of newer pieces from the last couple firings. Couple of the foil saggar, and a couple blackware pieces. I am enjoying the blackware still searching for the ultimate end product but these have been a hit. Don't forget to mark your calenders for March 20 in Cedar Falls, IA. My wife and I will be there at the

Element Portraits Studio for an open house. Come and say hi and look at our work. There is a nice selection there currently and we will bring some more with us for the event. Hope to see you there!

Open House

Great news? Up in Smoke Pottery's 1st open house of 2009 is scheduled and confirmed. It will be at the Elements of Art Gallery in Cedar Falls, IA on March 20th. If you are in the area that night stop by and say hi. Their web address is http://www.elementportraits.com/, the link to the gallery portion is on the lower right side of the home page.

Check back soon for more information.

Black ware tests

Well, here are a couple of the "black ware" tests. It took me a little longer than expected to get pics taken. Both of these have been "smoked" to achieve the color, there is no glaze!
Traditionally the pieces are buried in manure and dirt once the fire got going. the carbon would be trapped in the pores of the clay sealing it and making it water proof. historical samples have been found all over the world dating back 1000's of years.
We stumbled on it by accident following the instructions from a web site for another "naked" look. I'm not sure if I goofed up, or the instructions were not accurate. I am enjoying the contrast between the high sheen areas and the areas that are more matte. Feel free to send and comments or questions.

Here are a couple from the latest style we are toying with. It is a multiple firing process to achieve the oranges, remember there is no glaze on the pot. It will take anywhere from 2 to 4 firings to get the color to come out. We also are experimenting with "black ware." It was discovered on accident, and the piece was gone before I could take a picture of it. I have a couple of pieces in the bisque kiln I am planning on attempting to recreate it. If it turns out I'll post pics later.

Saggar Pottery

this is a sample of the foil saggar technique. I had read about it, and was unsure until I attended a workshop with Charlie and Linda Riggs and i was hooked. I have played with the technique to vary the results a little. The 1st and 2nd photo is what I was taught and final is where I took it so far. I am still playing around.