Ian Hazard-Bill Woodfire Workshop
In this week-long workshop we’ll cover all the steps and techniques to firing a catenary arch wood fired kiln, specific approaches to surface decoration for wood firing using slips, glazes and wadding marks, and throwing and altering techniques demonstrated while the kiln is cooling. The first day of the workshop will be spent decorating bisqueware students will bring for the firings. We will discuss the effects of wood ash on the clay and glazes, approaches and philosophies for surface decoration in wood kilns, wadding strategies, and Ian will demonstrate his slip, glaze, and wadding techniques. The second day will be spent loading the kiln, carefully arranging each piece to create dynamic airflow for flashing patterns, and even ash and heat distribution, this is an important and creative aspect of the wood firing process. Once the kiln is lit students will fire the kiln rotating in shifts with support and instruction from Ian and Jackie. We will fire the kiln for roughly 40hrs allowing for more ash build up, longer reduction periods and a longer soak at cone 10-11 temperatures. The results will hopefully be quite dramatic with flowing natural ash glazes and rich dynamic flashing patterns.
Following the firing there will be 2 days of demonstrations and discussions led by Ian while the kiln is allowed to cool. His demonstrations will cover throwing techniques for making taller forms, dry shaping, sectional throwing, making handles, lids and spouts, and altering thrown forms at various stages of dryness. Students will learn a lot of tricks for throwing and altering to make larger and more dynamic forms. Through the discussions we’ll explore ideas and philosophies around art, making, throwing and altering that will encourage new perspectives and explorations in the studio.