The summer is flying by while I run here and there on all the various projects.  Most of them are moving along slowly, but at least they’re moving.   One of  the websites is nearly complete,  the plans for the reduction kiln are almost Final Plans,  we finished up the building of the little  “test” soda kiln and got the first firing out of the way,  found time to make a few pots and try to get the rust out, and now I’m off to help my pal build a wood kiln up in Virginia.  Another trip with Captain Conepack himself, his tools haven’t even dried off yet from his last project so I know he’ll be in good form for building.  You can see some photos of the latest Mickey Kiln here.

I put together a few pictures of converting the electric kiln into a gas fired soda kiln, you can read that here.

We’ll make a few adjustments for the next firing, try to move the heat around a little more with target bricks and increase the amount of reduction too.  The kiln made it to temperature so now we just need to fine tune the details that make all the difference.

Coming up in a few weeks I’ll be leading a wheel-throwing workshop with a splash of soda firing thrown in. The class will be held in Bakersville, NC at ArtsCentered. I’ve been teaching a class there one night a week for the past few months, and I have converted a small electric kiln into a Baby Soda kiln.

When I went in for class the other evening, the studio was filled a group of folks working hard and enjoying themselves during a one week sculpture workshop with local artist Lisa Clague. Many of the folks were staying at the Bed and Breakfast adjacent to the studio and word on the streets was that it was a great time all around.

Below is a write-up of the class I’ll be teaching–I think there are still a few openings in the class and at the B&B. Feel free to contact me here with any questions, or send an email to will@williambakerpottery.com

Monday August 3^rd –Saturday August 8^th , 10 -4 pm.
Cost: $125 plus $25 materials fee and $15 propane fee
Clay is available for $11/bag

Students will build on their wheel-throwing experience to take their work to the next level. We will cover the fundamentals of creating work on the potter’s wheel, as well as the finer points of creating forms with great attention to detail. Class will consist of daily demonstrations and individual discussions to allow each student to progress according to their needs. This will allow for hours of one-on-one instruction and assistance.

Additionally, we will be able to fire a small soda kiln with small works made during the first two days. This will provide the opportunity to explore the soda firing process, with the remainder of students’ work bisque fired on the last day.

Experience: Some basic wheel throwing experience is helpful but not essential.

Class topics: An emphasis on wheel thrown functional pots, as well as discussions of aesthetic and functional considerations. Exploration of the soda firing process, including discussions of flashing slips, firing techniques, etc.

Firing: During the first two days we will make small works to be fired in the soda kiln, students’ work made during the rest of the week will be bisque fired by the end of the class.

Tools/ Supplies students should bring: towel, bucket, throwing tools, sketch book

For accomodations check here http://www.bakersvillebedandbreakfast.com/ or 828-688-6012.
If you speak with them be sure to mention to class, they have a special discount package available including an option for dinners.

Hope you can join us in beautiful “downtown” Bakersville.