VART 143 - Clay: Alternative Firing

CR: 3
This course will introduce a variety of fired clay surfaces. The class will explore the use of wood, gas, smoke, and sawdust to create reduction effects on the clay surface. Students will construct a raised bed pit firing chamber with flue out of recycled brick. They are introduced to the Raku process, removing wares while glowing red hot from the kiln to place in reduction chambers to create shimmering and crackle effects. Students will explore rubbing alcohol reduction chambers, burnished Terra Sigillata, color fuming, and carbon trap techniques to create varied surfaces where oxides and carbonates interact. V.6b