In this two-day workshop, students will create coil-built vessels designed specifically to respond beautifully to a communal pit firing later in the month. The focus will be on building medium-scale forms that activate and complement terra sigillata surfaces, with the dramatic “flame painting” effects of the pit fire in mind.
The class will explore techniques for coiling, stretching, forming, and sculpting, with special attention to creating surfaces and contours that encourage dynamic fire markings. An in-depth demonstration will cover pit firing preparation, including surface burnishing, terra sigillata application, and strategies for protecting and enhancing surfaces in the firing process.
Finished pieces will be fired in the communal pit and may be picked up the day after the firing, on 4/27.