The Pottery Process

Preparation is the key to successful pottery. Clay must be prepared whether it's made from scratch or purchased moist. I believe that my time is better spent doing what I love; creating pottery pieces rather than preparing clay. For this reason I purchase moist clay in 25# bags, soften, weigh and wedge before using.

I will spend a week creating pottery pieces, then selectively trim and carefully control the drying process. When the pieces are no longer cool to the touch I load the kiln for firing. The electric kiln has also been prepared, cleaned after every firing, checked for wear and proper operation.

The first, "bisque" firing takes days. Pottery pieces are slowly heated and cooled. In the process organic material and water is driven out of the clay and, with the application of heat, the clay is changed forever. In the end is a product that is porous but much easier to work with. Handling the pottery still requires care but is far more durable than in the greenware (unfired) state.

After pottery is removed from the kiln, the pieces are waxed on the bottom and glazed. Glaze can be purchased or created in the studio. I do both but find infinite satisfaction creating and experimenting with glaze formulation. Care must be exercised during this process with proper application, handling and loading the kiln. Kiln shelves are coated with kiln wash just in case of a glaze drip. The kiln wash helps prevent a pottery piece from accidentally sticking to the shelf. The pottery is fired again, this time to 2176 degrees F. (Cone 5). I use two, L & L manufactured computer controlled kilns that are housed in an enclosed, vented kiln room.

The pottery process is not quick but rather slow and methodical. Working with clay requires a high degree of technical skill and knowledge of the material. I have studied clay for well over 30 years. During that time I have experimented with raku, earthenware, high and mid-range stoneware, and porcelain. I have used both oxidation and reduction environments. Have tried gas, wood, salt and pit firing techniques. In the end I decided to create mid-range stoneware pottery and porcelain for reasons of consistency, economics, and readily available commercially produced products.