Soda Firing Workshop with
Alex Watson
See Alex's work on Instagram
Participants will have an in-depth and hands-on opportunity to learn how to fire the KC Clay Guild Soda Kiln using a custom clay body.
Alex graduated with a BFA in Ceramics from Utah State University in 2005. After graduating, he taught ceramics classes and managed the ceramics department at a small school in the Berkshires. In 2008, Watson moved to Colorado, where he lived and worked until 2013. He was an artist in residence at the Carbondale Clay Center and Studio for Artists Works. In 2010, he was a visiting artist at Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute in China. Upon returning from China, Watson became a full time studio potter. He is now in Kansas City, MO and is a founding member of the Kansas City Urban Potters. Students in the workshop will gain an understanding of firing the KC Clay Guild Soda Kiln with great results!
May 30th, last day to drop off work for bisque firing:
This is the deadline for making pieces from the custom clays and dropping off your finished work on the greenware shelf at KC Clay Guild. Leave a note with your pieces that states they are for the 'soda firing workshop'.
Custom clays available as soon as you register and pay. Pick up from the front desk, clay will be labeled with your name.
Students receive 25 pounds of clay before the class so they can have bisqued pieces ready to go. Alex suggested using wood fire B-Mix for the best results.
Students will have free access to the studio to make pieces, mark yourself as a 'student'. Pieces with smooth surfaces, broad planes, and clean shapes will take on the most dynamic surfaces. Pieces with texture also look great and will have really nice contrast.
Saturday, June 6th, 2pm to ~7pm:
-Briefing on loading and firing the kiln
-Glaze interior of pots
-Load kiln using wading, seashells
-Candle kiln overnight
Sunday, June 7th, 6am-9pm:
-Hands-on firing of kiln
-Prepare soda mixture
Wednesday, June 10th, 5:30pm-7:30pm
-Unload kiln
-Kiln clean up
Fee: $250 for members, $300 for non-members
12 participant limit
Studio time to make pots included
25 pounds of clay included
Each participant allotted 24”x12”x8” kiln space - example: 4 mugs, 2 dinner plates, and a small vase
Cancellation with refund is not available for this workshop.
A few notes:
-Wear closed-toe shoes during the workshop
-Bring a half mask respirator with P100 cartridges if you have one
-The more time you spend at the kiln during the firing, the more you will learn. If you hope to learn how to fire this kiln, plan on being at KCCG all day on Sunday.
Questions? edco@kcclayguild.org
