Come Fire With Us is a friendly
Wood-fired Pottery Retreat in the heart
of PEC. Welcome.
What Is Wood Firing?
Wood firing is such a fascinating and rewarding process in pottery. Essentially, it’s a method where we fire our pots in a kiln that’s fueled by wood. This technique creates some of the most beautiful and unpredictable results. Each piece comes out with its own character, with rich, earthy tones and textures that you just can't get with other firing methods.
It's low to moderate in labour intensity and requires patience, but the results are absolutely worth it. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing how the flames and ash have left their mark on your work, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that truly reflect the natural beauty of the materials and the process.
Wood-fired pottery is unique due to the unpredictable and natural effects created by the interaction of fire, ash, and clay. Key features include:
Atmospheric Effects: Fluctuating temperatures and reduction atmospheres create varied colors and surface finishes.
Ash Glazing: Ash from the wood melts onto the surface, producing unique glazes and textures.
Surface Texture: Direct flame exposure creates diverse surface effects, like cracks, soot marks, and glossy/matte contrasts.
Kiln Markings: Smoke and flame patterns leave distinctive marks on each piece.
Spontaneity: The unpredictable nature of wood firing means no two pieces are the same.
Natural Materials: The type of wood and its burning characteristics add further uniqueness.
Cultural Value: Wood-firing carries a rich tradition and connection to ancient pottery techniques.
Each piece of wood-fired pottery is one-of-a-kind, shaped by both the potter's skill and the kiln's natural processes.
Meet Alice, Our Kiln
Our kiln was built in the spring of 2024, she is a 2 chamber (Noborigama) Kiln, she was christened with the name Alice at our first firing. Our kiln is a cross draft kiln made of 2 catenary arches, a variation of a kiln designed by Ruggles and Rankin which was an adaptation of a 5000 year old kiln found in Japan, also called a climbing kiln.
We hired Nick Schwartz of Northern California to lead the build of Alice. His extensive knowledge of wood firing, kiln building and his awesome personality made him the perfect fit for us.
Why build a 2 chamber kiln? With 2 chambers we get a chance to explore 2 different ways results within the same firing. In chamber 1, the pottery is closest to the main firebox and the results are more typical of wood firing, flashing and the wood ash glaze. In chamber 2, because it is further away from the main firebox the pottery gets a little less wood ash but still a lot of flashing marks. We decided to make this chamber a Soda/Wood chamber. As the kiln gets close to the top temperature we add Soda Ash through the kiln ports to create another and different effect on the pottery
How The Retreat Works
Firing a kiln of this size is a team effort. We work as a group with workshop participants to load and fire the kiln. Wood firing takes many hands and multiple shifts to get the kiln to temperature, as the firing process takes days. Small teams of people take 6 hours shifts loading wood into the kiln.
The heat works over time creating the high temperatures needed to get the desired results on the pots within. But don’t worry beginners are welcome and knowledge of wood firing is not necessary.
We will explore the ways in which the wood fire kiln can be used to create layered effects on pottery. You will explore dynamics to consider while learning how to load and fire the Noborigama kiln. You will also learn how slips,stains & glazes can be applied on bisqueware that capture the movement of the flame through the kiln.
This workshop is geared towards those with clay experience and an interest in exploring atmospheric firing; wood firing experience is not required.
What To Expect
Participants will be asked to bring various sized bisqueware equaling 10-20 pieces to be fired during the workshop.
Participants should expect to be working in close proximity to fire throughout the workshop and may be tasked with tending a kiln through the overnight hours. The kiln is stoked with wood, in small teams for 6 hour shifts over 2 days, while the intense heat and ash from the burning wood interact with the clay and glaze in unique ways.
It’s like a dance between the fire, the materials, and the kiln itself.Expect to work 2-3 shifts at the kiln, with a 12 hour break between shifts.
What To Bring
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10-20 pieces of bisque-fired, high temperature cone 10 stoneware clay or porcelain. The guide for what constitutes the equivalence of a “piece” is 6”x6”x6”. All sizes of work are welcome.
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Glazes will be provided as well as basic glazing tools, bring any extra tools/brushes that you may require.
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Studio clothing, including fire resistant (cotton) clothing – including long sleeve shirts, cotton bandanas for cover and protecting your face from the kiln heat. Weather appropriate clothing.
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Notebook/sketchbook and writing/drawing utensils
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Work gloves (sturdy welding type)
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Bottle for water to stay hydrated
Local Accomodation
Picton Harbor Inn - https://www.pictonharbourinn.com, (5 minute drive to Kiln, 500m to Main Street Picton)
The June Motel - https://thejunemotel.com/pages/prince-edward-county, (1 minute drive to Kiln, 4 Minute drive to Picton)
Food
We will have communal food at the kiln site. For everyone to share, if your on shift bring some snacks. If you're off shift and hanging out, bring some snacks. Snacks and hanging out is always welcome.
Join Us At the Next Firing
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850 Canadian dollars
