This clay and stone (or brick) kiln style is a pre-colonial method for making earthenware pottery. Different versions of an updraft kiln, built from local materials, have been found in Northern Europe, the Middle East, China, and more and is still in common use Central and South America. The greenware pottery is loaded from the top and the walls insulate and hold the pots above the fire, which is fed from the front. This size kiln is easy to build and run on your own or with a small group. See some beautiful examples below!
“Wood fire” is used in contemporary ceramics to describe high temperature, large brick chambers like Anagama from Japan. However, this small pre-columbian clay and brick updraft kiln is also wood fired; hot enough to sinter/bisque the wares but not to melt glaze. Glaze is actually not necessary for making functional cups, bowls, cooking vessels, and more and its biodegradability is an important consideration in the sustainability of global clay resources. Earthenware is a proven tradition of low fired pottery that often involves polishing during the leather hard stage, plus sealing with wax or starches after the firing to create a less porous vessel.
Earthenware Clay & Brick Kiln Building Workparty
Sunday, May 17th from 10am - 4pm
On Saturday, we will gather at my home in Cottage Grove to sift and stomp clay, mortar bricks, and slowly shape the kiln. We will look at variations of how it can be built and decorated, talk in depth about earthenware pottery, wild clays, and more. Since is a new kiln type to me, we have the opportunity to learn together!
Participants will also be invited back after fire danger season ends for a communal firing!
Cost: $50 - registration below is required, so we can plan for a communal lunch. If you have food allergens/preferences, please let us know about those through email on the contact page.
Check out these amazing instagram accounts for inspiration on pre-columbian clay updraft kilns!
@liwen.ceramics, @karinabarrett.ceramics, @mbeju_tova, @nomadaceramica, @akbal.folk.ceramics, @tefi.weinberger, unchi.maka.ceramica & so many more!
