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Just finshed the first firing of the new year here on Roan Mountain. Currently the kiln is cooling and after a brief rest I am back at it, cleaning up and awaiting the unloading. The weather held out nicely, the cold came back in just after the finish. I had hoped to knock a few hours off of the firing time as the first few firings of the kiln have lasted 24 hours, but instead it went even longer. |
Good thing the Roan Mountain Ramblers showed up to help with the marathon. Trusted companions and unwaivering assistance, when all three of the Ramblers gather the kiln starts climbing on it's own. Lucky for me they came round to help again, lucky for you if ever they come 'round your kiln. You might run into them somewhere, usually going by the name |
The North Mitchell All-Stars, led by The Cane Creek Stokers, led by (a.k.a. Captain Conepack himself) |
It was meant as a bit of a test firing, to make some significant adjustments to the bagwall, and also to build some momentum for the upcoming weeks of working towards the next firing. Might be some nice pots cooling in there, but of course there's no way to tell for sure until the unloading. |
Last Updated 4.14.2008 |
By almost all accounts the firing was a great success. This is very rare. The bag wall modification proved to be the right call, and resulted in the disappearance of those terrible cold spots in the kiln and most of the terrible horrible pots that were coming from those areas. Instead I found pots which screamed of high heat and a blanket of ash. In other areas, very rich colors and nice flashing on many pots. Exclusive photos below for your enjoyment. The momentum gained from the firing was welcomed while it lasted. As with all rollercoasters, sometimes you need that extra little umph to reach the next crest. The next firing should be interesting. |
April, 2008 Springtime In the Mountains |
Staying busy as always here on the top of the hill. Watching the seasons change in between all of the recent pottery sales and the daily chores. If you've never seen spring in the mountains you really owe it to yourself. Things are just starting to pop out around here, hopefully the coming feeze won't erase everything. Had a good spring firing in March, back to 24 hours on the firing clock and a lot of nice pots. Some new forms were treated kindly by the kiln, got me thinking of some new pots to make for the next time around in the coming weeks..... Checkout my new online adventures, |
An online directory of woodfiring potters and artists around the country and the world. |
My shop at an online market place for handmade goods. |
My shop at a NEW online invitational marketplace for quality crafts. |
Some winners from the last firing....... |