These pieces are fired in sawdust which gives them beautiful subtle markings with a range of colors from black to orange, blue to pink and many shades of grey.
Click on the image for a larger view.
10" Tall		8" Tall	9" Tall
9 1/2" Tall		9" Tall	9" Tall

The smoke-firing process is simple and somewhat primitive.  A metal container is prepared with a number of holes around it as well as in the lid.  The are a number of ways the piece is prepared for the firing.  It has had a coat of terra sigilatta brushed on at the leather hard stage and then bisque fired.  Then oxides may be applied.  Vegative material may be wrapped around it and metallic (usually copper) wound around.  All of these techniques set up the stage for them to fume on to the pot during firing.

The pot is then placed in the receptacle with sawdust, more oxides and salt.  Kindling and newspaper are placed around the top and it is lighted.  After the flame is going well the lid is placed on the can and it is left to smoke from 4-24 hours.  When the piece is cool enough to handle it is removed, cleaned off and a thin layer of beeswax is applied and buffed.

The alternate method is to actually build a fire around the piece.  Since it gets hotter, the color variation in greater ( and the risk for breakage greater, too.)

These pieces are meant for decorative objects and do not hold water.  Enjoy!

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