About
Learn to fire pottery without a kiln! Patricia Millar, an expert potter, will guide you thorough the process of barrel firing - a technique which involves stacking potted items inside a metal barrel, along with combustible materials such as sawdust, leaves, or other organic materials. The barrel is then sealed and placed in a fire, allowing the organic materials to combust and generate heat.
On this Barrel Firing workshop, you'll have the opportunity to decorate your pots (provided) with designs inspired by neolithic rock art. You'll aso learn how to use oxides and organics to add colour before packing and firing a metal barrel. Finally, Patricia will teach you how to clean and seal your beautiful pots.
This day course includes a light vegetarian lunch, and all materials will be provided including 4 pots (approx. 240ml)
Schedule
10am
- A short introduction to Barrel firing. Learn about pot preparation, terra sigillata and burnishing.
- Decorate pots inspired by local neolithic rock art.
- Make simple foil saggars, learning what colours you can achieve with different oxides and organics.
- Health and safety and good practice around barrel firing.
- Pack barrels. Learn how to layer fuel to achieve an even firing with maximum heat work.
- How to tend to the firing to achieve a reducing atmosphere.
LUNCH
Light vegetarian lunch provided with a chance to chat and browse books on alternative firing techniques. As you wait for the barrels to burn out there is an opportunity to visit Ballintoy or The Boat Hose Gallery depending on the weather.
4pm
- Unpack the barrels.
- Learn how to clean and seal pots.
- Take your unique pots home!
This day course includes a vegetarian lunch, all materials, including 4 pots (approx. 240ml)
£160 per person
Maximum class size 6
