Smoke fired ceramic tiles.

Experiment

Traditional

The pottery is bisque fired in the kiln before placing into a metal barrel with wood, sawdust and any addition organic material

Material

Ceramic

Craft

Ceramics and pottery-making

General Technique

Constructing
Forming and shaping
Surface modifying

Specific Technique

Barrel Firing

Properties & Qualities

Application

Art, Sculpture

Qualities

3D, Smooth, Textured / tactile

Colour

Black, Earth-colour

Sample Information

Date of creation

16/02/2022

Culture & Context

By exploring the traditional method of pit firing I reflect on the connection between body and land. The clay returns to the earth where it came from and is entrusted into the unpredictable nature of the firing. I am strongly inspired by memory and place, this process allows me to reflect on the body revisiting place and reliving trauma.

Process & Production

Organic material such as banana skin and seaweed are added to the firing to explore different markings and colourings. The fire is lit and slowly smoulders, leaving dark markings on the pottery from the smoke. The pottery can smash due to thermal shock caused by rapid heating or cooling, by practicing on a smaller scale using a tin barrel I can test and refine my handbuilding process so the pottery is more durable and make adjustment to the firing in preparation for a larger pit firing.

Credits

Craft Maker

Katie Nelis

Library Contributor

Katie Nelis

Photographer

Katie Nelis