Creating for the Soda Kiln

With Deb Schwartzkopf
Tuesday 7:30pm-9:30pm
June 11th - August 13th
$450

Are you curious about alternative firings in ceramics?
Get ready to hop on the wheel and dive into the art of pottery making in this dynamic wheel-throwing class! Alongside our comprehensive throwing demonstrations, we'll delve into off-the-wheel surface techniques, empowering you to add a unique, personalized touch to your creations. There will be lots of demonstrations on functional forms. Check out the calendar below for details!

But the excitement doesn't end there – as a bonus, you'll have the thrilling opportunity to explore the captivating world of Soda Firing! This alternative firing process will infuse your pottery with mesmerizing surface textures and glazes, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Don't miss out on this chance to unleash your creativity, hone your pottery skills, and discover the transformative magic of soda-firing

General Outline for In Class Topics:
Week One: Image presentation on Soda Firing/ Intro to Slips
Week Two: Throwing taller / Making oval Vases
Week Three: Slips and Underglazes - Water Erosion, Carving, & Inlay
Week Four: Throwing Bowls - big and small
Week Five: Using glazes as a highlight - applicator bottle, sponges, lining pots
Week Six: Baskets out of clay
Week Seven: Fill up the kiln - demos on smaller shapes!
Week Eight: Finishing pots/ Wadding pots/ Pots loaded into Soda Kiln,
Week Nine: Glazing work for regular kilns at RCC
Week Ten: Soda Kiln Results/ Wrap up/ Potluck

What is Soda-Firing?
We have a special space on Clay Q&A where you can learn more about soda firing. Join Clay Q&A. In Soda Firing, we spray material into the red-hot kiln, which helps to glaze the pots. This happens at the very end of the firing. Follow this link to see a gallery of soda-fired ceramics.

Soda Kiln Firing Dates will be outside the regular class schedule.
Participants will be able to put around 5 pots into the soda kiln. Any other projects made during the session may be fired throughout regular firings at RCC.

Load Soda Kiln: August 2nd
Fire Soda Kiln: August 3rd
Unload Soda Kiln: August 8th (look at finished work in the 10th week of class).

Prerequisites: Ideal for those who have taken at least one ceramics class or possess a basic understanding of centering clay and pulling cylinders, this class is an ideal opportunity to further refine your abilities and explore new possibilities.

There is a 15” maximum size, in any direction, when creating with clay at RCC.

You must be 15+ years of age to participate. This class is a great fit for those new to clay as well as those wanting to grow their skills with an instructor present to ask questions. Bring an apron, comfy clothes, a quart sized container (like a yogurt container), and a beginner's set of tools to the first class. Tool kits are available for purchase online or at SPS or CAC. Or here is another option on Amazon. The class fee includes one bag of clay (25 pounds), all glazing materials, firings, and generous open-studio access for practice time. All levels welcome - come join the fun!