Wood firing Weekend

Service Description

Wood fire kilns are rare and special beasts, they have their own following and devotees because the firing results are rarified and....well varied; from totally stunning to downright disappointing BUT the highs well outweigh the lows. So what? you say....well the finish on a pot from a woodfire can never be created in a modern electric kiln, the glazes are just so much more elemental and beautiful. And this could be the last time MCP fires up this beauty before she finds a new home. The catch is that it takes a lot of effort and organisation to load, close and fire up a wood kiln. And to really dedicate to the philosophy (it is said) one should wood fire at least every four to six weeks. At MCP we don't quite have that level of dedication, nor opportunity - but there is a chance just around the corner for a one -off firing. Zoe Thompson and Catherine Spence plan to fire her up with the supportive guidance of Frank Graham in November. If you are interested in being involved, please forward your name. The deal is that each person will be able to put in ten cup/bowl size pieces. You must be able to commit to the loading (half a day) and firing (a whole day) so it pretty much requires your presence for a weekend (don't worry, she fires in 14 hours, so no sleep-overs required - as with bigger kilns). The weekend selected is 4 and 5 November. This is contingent on there being no fire ban in place and favourable winds so that we don't choke the new neighbours. There will be a talk and an opportunity to glaze prior to this weekend, time and date TBA. The cost is the purchase of the wood - this is divided up between the number of participants. You need to have bisqued and glazed pieces ready to load on Saturday 4 November - the clay MUST be stoneware - no low fire (eg terracotta) or mid fire (eg cone 6) clays are permitted! There is a limit of 8 people - first in, best dressed

Contact Details

• 4 Dillons Point Road, Islington, Blenheim, New Zealand

  marlboroughpotters@gmail.com