Thirty-nine went in "Model T" (the big oil drum) and five nested in "CindaMotte" (the small trash can named in honour of my sister, Cinder and her best friend, Motte).
For this firing, we were joined by John's daughters, Meredith and Stephanie. The more hands the merrier when you're loading the barrel.
Elaine says I'm a mother hen at these firings. And she's right. I'm either hovering or peeking through the peeps to see how the fire is doing.
We fired the barrel around noon and at 8:30 there were still embers glowing and a small lick of violet flame dancing along the bottom of the drum. So we left the barrel to cool overnight. The next morning, the contents were revealed.
A couple of close ups ...
The green bird is nestled in Amy's piece. It borrowed a lot of nice colour from her. Thanks Amy!
A couple of pieces broke. And some looked to have been covered by too many chemicals (Miracle Gro and copper carb specifically). But there was some intense colouring. And a lot of intense clean-up to be done on 43 birds.
Overall, BF#6 brought good results. There are additional pictures of the firing here and here. We're looking forward to BF#7... set for the evening after Christmas. As Elaine suggested, it will be a festive way to recycle all that wrapping paper!
8 comments:
Nice shots. Who is that gray haired lady? Hmm maybe a dye job!!! Yikes what a surprise.
Nice blue flame in the peeps.
Looks like a great day. That is a lot of birds. Can't wait to see them all.
Wow... great post and I really like that Saturday morning shot of the barrel. Can't wait for a copy of that pic. I think I'll frame it. Here's hoping now for Ger and Reduccion as they watch over the gas kiln firing!
Lady E - If you go for a dye job, I'll go for a dye job.
How about some red iron oxide? Or maybe crocus martis? :) Seriously...I've been thinking I might. Then again?
Ron, we had some interesting results. Seems every firing is different (wood, fire temp, atmospheric conditions?) and this one brought mixed reactions. Think I had about a 50% happiness ratio with my pieces so I'm okay with that. Hope to see you Friday or Saturday?
Hi there, Amy! Long time no see. ;) Will swap you a copy of the Saturday morning pic for one of yours (the barrel loaded & ready to go)! It's been quite a holiday weekend hasn't it? May Ger and and Reducion give their blessings.
It is Beth Stichters work. She is a visiting artist here, and has been for the past month working. You should check out my NCECA posts of her demoing. They are pretty good.
Brad, I was pretty sure it was hers. I'm a huge fan of her sculpture! I'll definitely check out the posts!
Thanks!!!
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