This authoritative book is the first to deal comprehensively with the historical, technical, and aesthetic aspects of woodfiring.

With over 500 brilliant color photographs, this book highlights the work of 100 innovative ceramic artists who still use the labor intensive, and sometimes unpredictable, process of wood-firing. Throughout the book, artists share several examples of their work, ranging from small pots to monumental installations, as well as their stories about their inspiration, influences, and techniques. The artists also relate how they have adapted various methods of wood-firing to their own needs and environments, using fast-fire, Naborigama, Anagama, and other kilns. Kiln drawings, information about firing logs, clay, glaze and slip formulas, and wood firing resources are also included.The artwork is representative of the diversity of styles, from glazing techniques to the often unique creations based on placement within the various kilns. This book is an essential for all who appreciate or practice ceramic art today.

This book is a guide to the principles involved in firing kilns. In The Art of Firing, Nils Lou reflects on his lifetime passion for kilns, helping us to understand how kilns work, and giving us access to that chamber of mysteries. He also discusses the structure of various fuel-burning kilns and explains how kilns work. While he accepts that potters tend to fire kilns by 'the seat of their pants', he firmly believes that a sound knowledge of the science involved is necessary to underpin the intuitive approach. Looking into the spyhole of a kiln through a safety lens is a captivating experience. At temperature, molten glazes can reflect as mirrors do. For predictable and reliable results we need to know how pots react to atmospheric changes both inside and outside the kiln, how to diagnose problems so results can be improved and how to eliminate poor firings. Inconsistent reds and other fugitive glazes, stalling just before maturity, propane gas freeze-up, and inefficient fuel consumption are among the common problems, but all are solvable. In this book you will find the kind of working information you can use to make your kiln perform properly and efficiently. Nils Lou's unique curiosity about the behaviour of kilns makes this book a treasure trove for a newcomer to firing, as well as to an experienced potter with a yearning to push past old myths and blind spots about kiln firing.-- 9. Lan.

Learn the key techniques, tips, and tricks for pit, barrel, raku, and wood firing. Fall in love with flames, wood, and the effect that unique firing methods have on pottery. Move beyond the electric kiln and explore the dramatic surfaces of raku, the flashes of salt firing, and the rustic look of ash rivulets. In this book, Lindsay Oesterritter provides a crash course in the most accessible methods of alternative firing. Raku firing requires minimal equipment and can easily be fueled with a standard propane tank. Likewise, pit and barrel firing do not require much in the way of initial investment. Yet all these techniques provide an immediate glimpse into the magic of firing. Bright reds and blues, dramatic black and white crackle, even metallic luster are instantly possible. For more experienced potters and studios looking to offer more, Oesterritter also explores wood-fired kilns. Drawing on years of experience and extensive interviews with fellow wood-fire potters, there is no comparable resource on the market. Features on top potters working today get to the heart of specialty techniques and asides show firing variations and traditional kilns in different cultures around the world. A gallery of showstopping work from a diverse group of artists round out the package and inspire you to get started.

Ash Glazes has been designed as an introduction and practical handbook to this glazing technique, covering the history of ash glazes and the practicalities of collecting and testing wood ashes and transforming them into glazes. It will provide inspiration for working potters and delight all those interested in contemporary ceramics.

A comprehensive detailed, artistic approach to the art and technique of soda firing in contemporary ceramics.