Pit Firing - The process

Pit firing is a simple firng technique resulting in varied and often organic finishes

Made for highly grogged clay to help the clay tolerate rapid temperature changes. Pieces are burnished to promote a smooth surface to trap the coloring and then bisque fired as usual.

Glazes are not used on pit fired pieces but copper, cobalt, and iron sulphate solutions can be used to facilitate orange, brown, blue, and red coloration during the firing

Pieces are placed in the pit on top of a few inches of sawdust then other combustibles are placed around and on top of the pieces until the pit is full.

The pit is set on fire and burns for approximately 4 hours

When the pit has cooled, the pieces emerge from ash need a quick scrubbing to remove ash and residual wires

Finished pieces are carefully waxed to enhance the colors and produce a nice satin sheen that begs for each piece to be held while admiring the intricate details hidden in the organic finish.