Raku
Cone 6 soda firing
Firings
More than just electric. . .
Soda Firing
What is Soda Firing?
Soda firing is a process where Soda Ash is introduced to the kiln during the height of firing. The interaction between the soda ash, the atmosphere of the kiln and the composition of the clay all coalesce to create a glassy surface on your work.
Come Fire!
The Mini-soda takes approximately 16 hours to fire. With a capacity of just about 12 cubic feet of stackable space, the kiln is easy to fill and can be fired by one person, although two people make for better company.
The kiln. . .
The name Mini-soda is a pun nodding to the small stature of the kiln as well as a nod to one of my favorite potters, Warren MacKenzie, who had a tremendous influence on American pottery.
Get your work in the kiln
Community firings are open to the public and space is offered on a first come first served basis. With such a small amount of space, the kiln fills up quickly. Purchase space by paying your deposit, then look for communication about loading and firing times.
Raku
What is Raku?
Raku firing dates back 450 years to the Momoyama period in Japan. The Raku family developed a style of creating and firing tea ware, which inspired American masters, including Paul Soldner, who introduced a variation on the process to the U.S. in the 50s.
Why the combustibles?
By placing hot pots in a sealed chamber with combustible materials, we’re able to create a reduction atmosphere which strips oxides from the clay and glaze, which creates exciting and dramatic surface effects!
The Process
American Raku is a quick process, which can be enjoyed in a few hours. Bisque fired pots can be decorated and glazed, before being fired to approximately 1850 degrees fahrenheit. When the pots are hot, and the glaze has melted, the pots are removed from the kiln and placed in barrels containing combustible materials.
Get your work in the kiln
Raku is most fun with a group of friends, who enjoy spending time together while we wait for the pots to heat up and cool down. Bring your own bisque fired work, or message ahead of time to arrange to have bisqueware available for purchase. Oxides and glazes provided, or bring your own!
Get Stoked!
Soda and Raku firing are very dynamic and exciting processes that I look forward to sharing with you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or comments.
Backyard Pottery 