Barrel Firing # (um, I forget)

It's been a while since we last barrel-fired at Clayworks so I'm not sure if this was number 10 or number 11. It doesn't really matter. The important thing is the fellowship we share whenever we fire the barrel...and the results. In that order. Good ol' "Model T" has been firing for us since July of 2008. He's definitely showing signs of wear and tear. (Aren't we all?) But the boy still gets the job done.

There weren't a lot of pieces in this firing: several birds, a couple of Cindy's cats and a dozen of Elaine's hearts. Two raku firings were on the calendar as well. And another loading of the gas kiln. So Clayworks was a busy place today. Here, John (Raku Chief of the Day) and Elaine position one of her large, coiled pots for further glazing.

Meanwhile, the fire in "Model T's" belly burned bright. (There are birds in the bowels of that barrel so I kept a watchful eye)

Will the cost of face masks go up because of H1N1? (Don't get me started) Good thing we clayworkers keep a stash handy for real health hazards.

No barrel-firing day is complete without a canine visitation. The Dog of the Day was "Pan".

Pan's owner, Nick, rescues endangered plants -- native to NC -- and brings them to Clayworkers who find them new homes. This "jungle" went home with John today. Nick crafts incredible orchid planters, two of which were in today's firing.

Speaking of firings, they all went well. I was delighted to see this bird, fresh from its aluminum foil, saggar nest.

I think that bird will clean up quite nicely. As will all of the pieces that came out of "Model T". Cindy's cat is proof that "Model T" can still get 'er done.

It was a grand day all in all. I had many birds in Model T and the raku kiln today. Amazingly, there wasn't a single one that disappointed me. It's good to have a day like today. And I can't wait for our next barrel firings - on Halloween and November 7th!