2-Day Pit Firing Course

 

Gather up a group of friends for some pit firing fun! The workshop takes place at Patricia’s studio on the Giant's Causeway.

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Learn and experience this ancient technique. Learn how to prepare your work, including various burnishing techniques and terra sigalatta, gain experience in packing a pit, firing and how to finish pit fired pottery.

Taking home your own unique pieces from the pit.

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Please do bring your own work, approximately up to 1-2 grocery crates each. we will endeavour to fairly fit as much as we can into the pit, depending on what other participants bring.

There will be some wheel thrown, burnished and bisque fired pots from the studio if you wish to purchase them on the day for extras.

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Day 1 

Typically lasts approx 7 hours, beginning with a short introduction on this ancient firing technique. Patricia will demonstrate how to wrap your pieces in simple foil or paper saggars along with different materials, explaining typical effects you may achieve and the science behind this ancient process.

You will be guided in preparing your own work with a choice of supplied organics.

After a hearty, vegetarian lunch, you will experience packing and lighting the pit. Health and safety around pit firing will also be highlighted.

The day finishes with clamming the pit. Patricia will tend it throughout the night.

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Day 2

The group returns for the big reveal! 

In this 2nd session you will unpack the pit. Patricia will demonstrate how to clean and seal the work.

After a break for a light lunch, you will clean and seal your own unique work.

Approximately 5 hours depending on the group's items. 

 

Includes

• At least 12 hours of pit fire tuition

• Pot preparation materials, including a selection of prepared seaweed, oxides, copper, wire wool, selection of organics

• Tinfoil, masking tape, paper, string

• Fuel for Firing- seaweed, wood shavings, hard wood logs

• Sealing wax

• Gloves 

• 2 Vegetarian lunches and unlimited tea breaks with cake

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Some tips for successful pit firing-

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• Bisque fire your own work up to 900oC.

• Green ware will also work but has a much higher risk of breakage.

• Raku, stoneware or earthenware clay are all suitable.

• If possible, pieces should be burnished at the leather hard stage which will enhance the pit fire patina. Any questions regarding burnishing please email Patricia.

• Wheel thrown or hand built pots or sculptures are all suitable

• Be aware that breakages are inevitable! A range of shapes and sizes will increase your chances of  success. Flat pieces usually break...

• The pit measures 3' x 3' x 4' 

• Do bring your own mask to use when handling oxides.

• Do bring a woollen hat or scarf to protect your hair from the heat. wear loose, natural fibre clothing.

• If you have any special dried flowers, do bring them to include on your own saggar.

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£350 per person 

Maximum 6 participants. 

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*Larger Student group rates are available, please email.

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