Low Fire Saggar
Project #3
Problem: Create a series of
pieces that use different combustible materials for the saggar firing process.
Objective: Learn
how to load and fire pieces into constructed or pre-formed saggars . Become
familiar with producing ware that utilizes different materials that will burn
away marking your pieces. Develop work
that has a surface conducive to being marked by the burning away of combustible
material.
Strategy:
Make several sketches of that
explore variations in expression of your personal aesthetic.
Produce a small body of work
(5-10 pieces hand built or 15-20 pieces thrown on the wheel) using simplified
forms with a combination of smooth and textured surfaces. Approach the surface decoration as an
experimentation process for your personal expression.
Try different
combinations of combustible material in layers that will burn away inside the
saggar and mark your pieces.
Instructions:
Discuss the drawings you have
made with your instructor as well as possibilities
for combustable material to mark the surface of your piece before beginning.
Make a series of simplified
forms that will focus on the surface of the piece as a vehicle for recording
the firing process.
All pieces should employ the
use of multiple surface treatments in the forming stage such as burnishing,
carving, and white slip decoration.
Construct a saggar while
loading the kiln or make some ceramic saggars for the containment of the
combustable material.
Find three different combustible materials to experiment with in an effort
to discover the variations withi the technique.
Load each piece in a bisque
fired saggar and place the combustable material around your piece in the saggar
for a marking of the piece as the material burns away.
Try different temperatures
ranging from cone 08-1
IMPORTANT:
-Du not use volatile or toxic
material such as solvents or plastic for your combustible.
-All saggars and pieces should
be bisque fired before loading the kiln.
-Use only the raku kilns for saggar firing
-Use only the raku kilns for saggar firing
-Do not fire low fire clay to
high fire temperatures.
-Do not confuse low fire clay
with high fire clay.
student work by Jacob Thaden
