FIRING METHODS
The completed ceramic piece must be slowly fired to the proper maturing temperature of the clay. Generally each piece is fired twice. The first firing, the bisque, is to approximately 1000° C. This hardens the work so that glaze can be applied. Then the glaze firing brings the clay and applied glazes to maturity.
Different kilns and kiln atmospheres are used for different results.
Atmospheres
Oxidation
A plentiful supply of oxygen during the firing process.
Will produce green glazes from copper and honey colours from iron.
Reduction
The amount of oxygen in the kiln is deliberately reduced, drawing oxygen from the clay and glazes.
This causes copper in glazes to change from green to red and iron to turn green.
Kilns
Electric Kiln
Uses electricity to produce heat
Most commonly used
Produces an oxidized atmosphere
Firing takes about twelve hours
Can be fired to different temperatures but most suited for earthenware and medium fired stoneware
Electric kilns are precise, controllable and easy to use
Examples of electric fired work: Barbara Balfour, Merilyn Kraut, Judith Marchand, Kevin Stafford, Anne Fallis Elliott, Rachael Kroeker, Ken Chernavitch
Gas Kiln
Uses natural gas as its fuel for heat
A reduction atmosphere is created by controlling the amount of oxygen in the combustion
Most suited for firing stoneware and porcelain to 2400 degrees fahrenheit
Firing takes about twenty-four hours
Firing a gas kiln takes care and experience
Examples of gas fired work: Kathryne Koop, Valerie Metcalfe, Steve Jorgenson, Andrew Thomson, Colleen Chamberlin, Jennifer Johnson, Ken Chernavitch
Wood Kiln
Uses wood as its fuel for heat
Provides a reducing atmosphere
Most suited for high firing to 2400 degrees Fahrenheit
Firing takes about twenty-four hours and uses over a cord of wood which is stoked every few minutes throughout the firing
Wood firing is labour-intensive but it produces a rich patina on the pots
Examples of wood fired work: Alan Lacovetsky
Raku Kiln
A fast firing process fired to earthenware temperatures, around 1800 degrees Fahrenheit
A dramatic process where the pots are taken out of the kiln at peak temperatures using tongs, and placed in a closed container with combustible materials for post firing reduction
While the claybody is blackened, the glaze will often appear crackled, and/or metallic
Generally, this process is best suited for decorative pieces, and not food related items