The Unseen Preparation Behind Every Pot

Not a lot of new information this week. Many projects are wrapping up and the last step for all of them is the next soda firing. What to do but to prepare for that firing and jump into the next round of making.

• Reclaiming recycled trimmings and failed pots,

• Bisque firing work

• Fixing the kiln bag wall (I had a little accident during the previous firing…whoops)

• Constructing cone packs and soda rings

• Production for our upcoming club sale

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P.S.

Below is a quick description about one of my guiding philosophies.

Preparation is paramount for a functional potter who fires in an atmospheric kiln because we do not have complete control or knowledge about what is happening to our pots in the kiln. I am not saying that we have no control, just that it is limited. With that said, you can do a lot to expand that limited knowledge/control by preparing your pots along the way. Through trial and error from firings, we gather information on what preparations worked and where they were lacking.