Preparation of clay, Making of the ceramic piece in clay, firing in a kiln to a temperature of 850 degree C (in potters terms bisque firing) next comes applying colors (glazing) and finally another firing going to a temperature of 1280 degree C ( glaze firing). It is a long drawn process but when the kiln in opened after the final firing and if the work turns out the way you want it, the satisfaction is very fulfilling.
I had recently bought a gas kiln, yesterday I had my first fully loaded glaze firing. The firing took much longer than expected a good 14 hrs. Much of my pottery years have been spent firing a wood kiln and I must say it is quiet different from a gas kiln in terms of involvement. While in wood I would be required to be planted in front of the kiln, the gas kiln allowed me to do a lot more things while the firing was going on. Like keeping and eye and running behind my son Guru who is up to mischief the minute you turn back on him. Much thanks for the support from my mother in law who is trying to understand what the running about the clay and kiln is all about and also to a cat who seems to have adopted us and is of course providing A class entertainment for Guru.
Tomorrow will be one more day to go before I open my kiln, need to let the pieces cool after the firing so they don.t crack. And when I do open it, will be sure to post some photos as well. So folks do stay tuned in.
