Smoke Fired Pottery

After throwing a pot, it is painstakingly burnished (smoothed) with a stone, giving the surface a beautiful, silky glow that seems to come from within. The piece is allowed to dry completely, then several layers of a fine liquid clay called Terra Sigillata are applied and it is polished after each coat. The piece is next fired in an electric kiln to approximately 1000 degrees Centigrade and ready to smoke-fire.

For the smoke firing the pot is placed in a metal or brick container, nested in a variety of kinds and textures of sawdusts and allowed to slowly smolder for several hours. The polished, unglazed surfaces become richly marked by the pattern of smoke and flame, imparting a soft earthiness and sensuality to the pieces. Many have been imprinted with a delicate leaf or fern 'shadow', using a special carbonization technique. No two are the same -- each piece is a surprise when taken from the kiln.

To protect the surface of the pots, they are given a light coat of wax and may be wiped with a damp cloth when necessary. These pieces are not designed to hold water.

      
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Judy Blake Ceramic Artist: smoke and saggar fired pottery