Brenda Sutton Mader

Smokefire

The process starts with the making, all pieces need to have a very smooth service. The clay I use is a mid-range stoneware clay. Pieces are fired once in an electric kiln.  Bisque pieces are then put into sawdust or hay for the finishing result. The sawdust or hay is set on fire, choked, to create a smoking atmosphere. This can be done in a metal continer or by digging a hole in the ground. The pieces stay in the sawdust until all the embers are finished burning. This could take from 3 to 10 hours depending on the size of the pieces. The smoke is what colors the service of the clay. The pieces are waxed and polished, and are for decoration only, they will not hold water.

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