Featured image shows most of the September wood fire crew in the kiln yard.
Wood Fire Class Overview
Our wood fire class at Reitz Ranch in Clarkdale, Arizona was taught by Ben Roti who worked for two years for Don Reitz and has fired this train kiln a number of times previously. We learned how to control the firing. Flame movement and heat distribution in the kiln – this theoretical learning was deepened with our experience in firing this kiln. Loading the kiln took us as a group about 10 hours – long day. We did multiple 6-hour shifts during the firing. The completion of firing, which completed on the Fall equinox, was followed by 5 days at a more leisurely pace as we waited for the kiln to cool enough to open it.
We also studied how loading affects the movement of flames around a pottery piece – this movement impacts how a piece is “painted” by the flames. We learned about different sections of the kiln and how fly ash varies according to the kiln section. Loading the kiln varies according to the different sections of the kiln and different results are expected for different sections. How different glazes react to wood firing was another area of discussion.
Shino glazes, Tenmoku glazes, flashing slips, and raw clay were the most used surface treatments although other surface treatments such as ash glaze, faux ash, and other studio glazes were used. A number of different clay bodies were tried.
In loading our pottery into the kiln we experimented with wadding, rice hulls, and shells. We did some side-firing to see how this would affect flame, ash, and glaze movement during firing. We started by loading the arch by the firebox and moving back to the door. We then loaded starting at the far back and moving toward the side door. The side door (and only door) had a removable brick for side stoking, where we built a sizeable ash pile. Most of the wood used was pine with occasional pieces of oak to increase temperature.
The Wood Fire
We began the firing on September 21st, 2018 and completed it on the Fall equinox. Cone 13 or 14 was reached near the firebox. We tried to reign in the heat in the front section and we worked hard to get the heat to the back of the 15-foot kiln and finally achieved about cone 9½ at the rear. There were a few cold spots in the kiln. This was a 38-hour firing.
Wrapping Up the Wood Fire
An intense and lengthy process like a communal wood fire builds a strong sense of community. We finished the process by opening the kiln together and discussing the results. After a pizza party using a wood-fired pizza oven, we cleaned the kiln and kiln area – this was a big job!
To fire one of Don Reitz’s kilns was a rare and educational opportunity that was enhanced by the instruction from Ben Roti, who is a regular teacher at the ranch as well as Yavapai Community College.
After cooling the kiln for 5 days, we had a kiln opening celebration. There were lots of pictures and appreciation. The wood-fired pizza oven was fired up and we partied.
Aftermath: this is a large kiln to clean!
Some of my Work from the Firing
Some of my Drinking Vessels from the Firing
Additional Information
Both Sheryl Leigh-Davault and Dexter Woods were important members in this firing. They are not in the featured image at the top of this post.
Dexter was the team leader for the final shift – his team took us to completion and shut the kiln tight to promote slow cooling.
There will probably be another wood fire class in November. Check the Reitz Ranch website for information on Classes and Workshops.
Upcoming Events
Some of the wood-fired pieces shown in this blog post will be at these shows. I will also have many other pieces. It is a great time for holiday shopping!
SVAC Open Studio Tour will be on October 26, 27 and 28. Friday and Saturday are from 10:00 to 5:00 and Sunday is from 12:00 to 5:00. My studio is #10 on the map. Stop in and say hello…
The 32nd Annual Made In Clarkdale Showcase will run Thursday, December 6th through Sunday, December 9th. Please visit the website for times and events associated with this show. This is one of my favorite shows in our Area. The gala opening of Friday is always well attended with plenty of good food and music. I have a booth at this show.
