There are also a couple types of specialized kilns that produce specific surface results. Many potters feel that the unique results are worth the extra work. The kiln creates its own glaze when the wood ash lands on the pieces as they're firing. A wood kiln firing can take three times as long as it would in an electric or gas kiln, and it needs to be monitored the whole time.
They're very labor-intensive because they need constant stoking and re-fueling of the fire to keep the wood at consistently high temperatures. Wood kilns are fueled by wood and have been used for thousands of years in pottery. It's difficult to maintain consistency, so gas kilns are most ideal for one-of-a-kind creations. Reduction firing results can be unpredictable, but typically yields rich, earthy colors. Gas kilns run on natural gas and fire in reduction, which doesn't allow oxygen in during firing. This control is important for a potter who wants to replicate their work. These kilns always fire in oxidation, meaning there's oxygen present in a completely controlled environment, which yields consistent results with glazes. They're comparatively inexpensive, and small ones can plug directly into a 120-Volt wall socket, making them accessible to small pottery operations.
Electric kilns are probably the most common type of kiln used in ceramics. SCC is one of the few state community colleges boasting a wood-burning kiln.The three most common types of kilns are electric, gas and wood. It’s at SCC where many of the Epperson pieces originated, Kearns said. Marc Lancet of Davis, a ceramics instructor at Solano Community College for more than 25 years and co-author of “Japanese Wood-Fired Ceramics,” is also in the exhibit. Locals included in the exhibit that runs until May 3 include Monique Rutherford of Benicia, Karen Winograde and Sarah Brown of Napa, and Tri Tran and Lisa Jetonne of Fairfield.Ĭonrad Calimpong travels from Ferndale and Nick Schwartz from Comptche also participate. “Every piece has a unique surface to it.”
“Once you learn to read the piece, they have their little story, little narratives,” Kearns said. It’s all about creating in a wood-burning kiln, something that’s been handed down “for thousands of years,” said Kathy Kearns, a Crockett artist. Gerald Epperson is stoked about his Crockett gallery’s new exhibit.Īrtists from Solano, Contra Costa and other Northern California regions have entered pieces for “Tempered by Fire,” opening Saturday.
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