October 23, 2024: The initial test firing was unfortunately delayed. About an hour into the burn, a freak wind storm began kicking up dust. Due to the dry conditions, I got nervous and decided to put out the flames. Just after I did, the fence was blown over, nearly reaching the grill I was using! Putting out the flame may have ruined my first test (see #1 Carmen below) but, I salvaged the charcoal and used it on the Test #2.
October 06, 2024: Today, I've decided to try my first piece of primitive pottery fire. My hypotheses is that it could work but, I do have various concerns. So, I decided to treat it as a science experiment and document each step. Keep an eye on this specific post. I will update subsequent firings, here.
Introduction
I've harvested wild clay from the back yard and allowed it to dry for several days. Instead of a coffee can, I've drilled aeration holes in a wider peanut can. I have made several small pottery-like pieces, intended to be used as temporary plant pots but, after some creative experiments, I've decided to use them as a learning opportunity for something more permanent. I have no direct experience with firing wild clay but, I have been researching online for a few weeks.
It's October in Southern California and, while it's notably cooler at night, you might not know it. For about a week, we have seen 100F+ temperatures nearly every day. Fire danger is always a concern but, I intend on being as safe as possible. I will light the can inside of the barbecue grill, and can close the lid if necessary. A high of 102F is forecasted for, today.
Preparation
I repurposed a tin can and bought some charcoal briquettes. I was hoping to get a few pieces in this can, as it is wider than a coffee can but, it's not much taller. So, I may just do one at a time.
I have seen some people preheat their pots in a home oven, or around an open fire pit, to prevent the drastic change in temperature, that might encourage cracking. I would hypothesize that it will get hot enough in the sun to prevent any kind of shock. Also, these pieces tend to be thicker than most of the pottery I've seen. This may help or hurt in the long run.
General Hypothesis
I believe that this "coffee can method" will successfully oxidize the clay, making it durable enough to resist water. It will also create a "finished" look to make it more appealing. The clay had more grit than I would have liked, even though I sifted it. I added some sifted sand to the second batch and wonder if I added too much. They have all held up well in the sun, and have hardened evenly in multiple days of 100F+ weather. When I learned about the coffee can firing method, it included the use of lighter fluid. I want to keep it as natural as possible. This may make it more difficult to light but, I will add some paper and cardboard to increase flammability.
Fire #1 "Carmen"
Introduction
Because of the size of the can, I may use more charcoal than a coffee can but, it could be a good or bad thing. My main concern with spacing is that multiple pieces too close together may have a negative impact. I have spent some significant time on this first piece, "Carmen," so, I don't want any unnecessary risk. I have some pieces that I am more comfortable taking chances with on the subsequent firings.
"Carmen" has several significant pebbles visible in the surface. It is the first piece that I polished with a smooth stone. It created an interesting glass/marble effect on the bottom but, some areas on the side are a bit more rough. It was too small to access the inside of the pot so, it looks as rough as it did originally on the inside.
Hypothesis
I believe that the polishing has created a smooth layer that will help protect the surface and help hold it together. The visible protruding stones may encourage separation and damage. The inside of the pot was not polished and the porosity may encourage damage, as well. It is also quite thick. I don't know if that will effect how much concentration of heat may be necessary, if it might be holding more water inside. All of which may impede successful firing.
Observation
Sunday 10/6/2024
- 11:00am - I'm going to wait until everything has warmed up significantly to prevent the shock, as I mentioned earlier. I've added a layer of charcoal to the bottom of the can, set the pot in the middle and surrounded it with charcoal, and covered the can with a brick.
- 12:00pm - An unfortunate weather event caused the abrupt end of the test. Warm and dry conditions coupled with unexpected wind created a concern about fire safety so, I doused the flames. The fence was also blown over, very close to the fire location. So, the test is on hold until the fence is repaired.
Analysis
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to complete the firing so, I could not collect the information I wanted. In the short time "Carmen" was exposed to the fire, there weren't many noticeable changes. I did notice some coloring but, it may just be the smudging from the charcoal. I also noticed that some of the surface area looks like it dissolved, leaving pockets of rough surface in contrast to the overall smooth surface I had created with polishing.
Conclusion
It is obviously disappointing. "Carmen" was the piece I felt most proud of. She is unique. I spent the most amount of time on her, out of all of the pieces. I had high hopes that she would be the most presentable as an art piece. She exists in a sort of middle ground, though. Maybe because it hasn't been fired, and if the early exposure to water caused the changes in the surface area, I could still work on reshaping and polishing before trying to fire again. For now, "Carmen" sits out and I will try another piece on the next fire.
Related: Pumpkin Carve
While I had to put this experiment on hold, I decided to work on another project. I was watching a pumpkin carving contest and began feeling inspired. I took two of my homegrown pumpkins and gave it a try. Check out the WriterJoshua Pumpkin Carve 2024
Fire #2 - "Sofia I"
Introduction
These were some of the first wild clay pots I created, meant to be simple, biodegradable plant pots. After recognizing the potential for polishing and shaping, I used the technique to create unique designs by partially polishing segments to maintain the wisdom of primitive Earth, while moving towards progress with smoother sections, as well. I will only fire one at a time so, I will designate them "Sofia I" and "Sofia II" going forward.
Hypothesis
I believe this test will go much better than the first. It is technically my first experiment so, I'm still very excited about conducting it. These designs are a bit more simple than "Carmen" but, I did try to employ some artistic elements by polishing sections and leaving others natural. I think this will add some distinct looks, maybe even affect coloring. The walls are much thicker and there is more room inside, that I could reach in and polish, than "Carmen." I also believe that it will create more exposure to the fire, which could make the overall integrity of the piece stronger. I am concerned about reusing the partially fired charcoal, which was also wet. It may not catch fire again, easily. It might also not create as much heat as it would have undisturbed.
Observation
Tuesday 10/22/2024
- 8:20am - It has been difficult to get the charcoal to light. The added cardboard and paper sat outside last night, it might be damp and cold enough to create difficulty. I've spent about a half hour stuffing smaller pieces of paper and twine into the holes at the bottom of the can, holding the lighter to it, and fanning the flames to help it catch. I don't see flames but, there seems to be significant smoke that tells me it might be lit. I've decided to close the grill lid while I leave it unattended.
- 12:00pm - I've come back to check on the can. I had noticed smoke escaping the closed grill throughout the morning. When I opened it up, I noticed the position of "Sofia I" had changed. Some of the charcoal pieces underneath had become ash, causing her to lean, a bit. The can is still very hot so, I'll leave the lid down while it burns out.
Wednesday 10/23/2024
- 8:00am - I opened the grill and the can looked a lot like the example of the coffee can firing method that I had referenced. The charcoal was all reduced to a light grey ash and the clay had taken on a reddish brown tint. I removed the piece and dumped the ash into my compost bin.
Analysis
There is a very obvious change in color. From what I understand this is caused by oxidation. This means that the ideal temperature for successful was reached. I have seen people gently tap on the finished pottery to listen for a distinct sound. I'm not exactly sure what to listen for but, it sounds different than a raw piece, and I think that the desired effect has been accomplished. I want to clean some of the ash but, I'm nervous about applying water, though, that may provide further testing opportunities. For now, I'm satisfied.
Conclusion
"Sofia I" was much more successful than "Carmen" was. I had been uncertain that the coffee can method might not reach the necessary temperature to effectively change the makeup of the clay, to make it less susceptible to time and the elements. I have yet to decide on a more artistic method, such as a natural die or paint source, but I believe there is natural aesthetic appeal, especially when you consider that this is entirely primitively crafted.
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Sincerely yours,
Joshua Lucero
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