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I haven't been able to throw or fire pots in the studio because...pandemic. So I've been teaching myself handbuilding and alternative firing techniques--specifically, pit firing. Here's what I've learned so far! You can do this anywhere you're able to build a fire, and you don't need any equipment--just the clay.
Sorry the video is so long--it contains all the information I think is necessary to have a successful pit fire and to understand what makes the difference between success and breakage. If you don't know what you're doing, all your pots will blow up. If you know what you're doing, things turn out beautifully. If you watch this video, you'll know what you're doing!
0:41 What is clay
1:33 What happens when you fire clay
2:49 Making pots--what to consider
4:55 After the pots are made--prep for firing
5:43 The pit
6:29 The fire--initial fire, fuel
7:11 Warming the pots
8:16 Colorants
https://www.upinsmokepottery.com/colorants.html
https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/pottery-making-illustrated/article/pit-firing-color-palette/#
10:25 Adding pots to fire
11:40 Bonfire!
13:02 Covering the fire
14:19 Using your pots
14:58 Pit fire reveal
Music by Jake Shane: https://www.youtube.com/user/JakeShaneMusic