Terra Sig and Raku

It doesn't get better than that!

I went to Clayworks today, geared up for a special raku firing at 2PM. I got there 3 hours early, figuring I'd take care of some terra sig prep for our upcoming barrel firing. (We'll be testing the different varieties of terra sig we made in Jim Whalen's workshop on 5 different clay bodies.) What a pleasure it was to find Jim, himself, at the studio. He dropped by to drop off another terra sig, and ended up staying for more than 5 hours to help us spray the mixtures on some of our test pieces.

I've never used the spraying technique though I've always wanted to. Usually, I just brush the terra sig on the piece and buff it. But, hey? I'm game.

Jim demo-ed surface deco too, using a sponge Elaine created to add wax resist to one of Kim's pots.

Once the resist is added, and the next coat of terra sig is applied, I can't wait to see how this one turns out in our Barrel Firing test on 2/21.

I sprayed five birds for test purposes, using four different types of terra sig. The bird clay bodies are Helios and Orangestone. I'm also going to test Loafers Glory, but had yet to model those pieces. (Something I did later tonight.) Given that Valentines Day is but a week away (and I'm a copycat) I prepped a few hearts ala Elaine for the test firing.

Many thanks to Jim Whalen. The second part of Jim's workshop isn't scheduled until 3/21, yet he was at Clayworks today, sharing his terra sig & his expertise with three of his students. Check out his Honorable Mention in the Fourth Annual Vasefinders Nationals.

Jim left shortly before the Raku Gurus -- John and Joe -- arrived. Time to switch gears and get ready for raku. It's a good thing I learned how to use the sprayer as I needed it to apply a special "wash" to the pieces I'd be putting in the kiln.

The first firing included a couple of large pots thrown by John and Joe. When the pieces were ready, they were carried from kiln to banding wheels, where they were sprayed with alcohol. Go Joe!

Hot pot!


Simultaneously, John was showering his pot with alcohol.

Another hot pot!

One of the things I love the most about these "extra curricular" firings are the friends & family who turn out to watch, including some canine friends. Meet Shelby, beloved 4-footed of Joe & Melissa.

Shelby was shivering so I loaned her my coat. I thought she was cold. Though in retrospect I think she was shivering with anticipation, anxious to see her master Joe's pot which was now in a bed of sawdust...

Finally, Joe & John's pots had the chance to chill out.

And so did Elaine who was watching the proceedings and cheering us on. And yes, Shelby loaned her my coat. What's a little dog hair between friends?

I had a couple of pieces in the second firing, including my Raku Zoo 2 critter.

In advance, it was decided that Amy and I would share a banding wheel for one of her bowls, and my pieces. We were ready when the pieces were exposed...

Pieces in place, Amy does the honours.

Amy had some lovely results which I'm sure she'll share at some point here. And I was semi-satisfied with my Raku Zoo Critter #2. He's but another part of my raku menagerie of learning.

Wow. What a long post. But it's been a long day...and a wonderful one. Time to wash the terra sig off my hands and greet the Sandman with the scent of raku-firing in my hair.