Wood and Vapor "09

At the end of day two I can say we are seeing some great pots being made.  Some of the things we have discussed include the importance of good form in setting up the line and surface that make up a strong shape; good definition (top and bottom); and letting each piece provide information for the next.  Above all, take risks and don't dismiss anything!

  

Demonstrations have included vases (thrown and altered) and bottles (with added shoulder and neck) all anticipating the fly ash of the wood firing.  Also made were "collapsed" wall or "drop-wall" pieces, two-rib faceting of the walls, and pillows, tori or toroids, cradles and other solutions for the relationship of the base of the pot to the plane.  

The use of  "kiln memory,"  in making decisions about surface, line, shape transitions and overall form is the focus of all our work this week.

We will post images in the next few days and weeks.  

The weather is great for drying which is creating a very nice pace for completing pieces and using the information for the next piece.  We will start making plates and platters for the vapor firing tomorrow.