Raku
Soda
Anagama
We
are growing. More and more member are showing interest in “alternative” firing
methods, and this is an exciting development.
Our
members are encouraged to step up and step into the driver’s seat of firing kilns; to build up
experience, advance knowledge and increase the fluency of fire required to take
on the responsibility and commitment that firing a kiln requires.
Our
approach to education asks
that members who fire with wood, soda, or smoke take responsibility and
ownership of information made available through our workshops and other
opportunities; that they contribute to their own learning by participating
fully in as much of the kiln firing as is required, according to the directions
of a Lead Firer.
Lead
Firer:
each firing should have one designated head who will be in charge of making
pertinent decisions regarding the stack, the firing, cooling, cracking of the
kiln, and unloading, as well as taking responsibility for inviting and then leading
other members who are involved. This
is the “one cook in the
kitchen” approach to
equanimity and accord. Lead firer must make clear, consistent, and detailed
notes of the firing (firing log) for studio reference. Lead firer is also
responsible for the final condition of the kiln furniture, interior and clean
up. Eligibility to be a Lead Firer is to
be determined by GCAC director.
In-House
Studio Leaders
(Hillary, Eva, Jen, Etc.)—
Will decide how the
kiln is to be loaded, which works will be selected and/or prioritized, how the
kiln is to be fired, cooled, etc. Invitation
to participate does not guarantee that all one’s works will be able to get into the
firing.
Will follow the studio philosophy of
requiring that any invited members already have taken a workshop on that firing
style or have adequate prior experience of their own to participate in a
knowledgeable manner.
Will require that all
participants participate in all aspects of the firing:
(prep/loading/firing/unloading/cleanup) Although there will be plenty of
guidance given by Lead Firer, it is to be noted that these firings are not
workshops-- thus not intended to be “teaching
firings”
Solo
Firer—a
single artist (non GCAC staff), already sufficiently knowledgeable in firing
can elect to run a firing entirely independently
Additional
participants—other
members can be invited to join in the firing by the lead firer (non GCAC
staff). Lead Firer should
follow the same protocol of the general studio philosophy regarding selection
of and active participation of additional firers.
Scheduling—firings must be
booked with significant advance notice so as to fit into the program of
workshops, classes, and general studio firings. Bookings must be arranged with Studio
Coordinator and/or Managing Director
Assistance
of studio hands—studio
“techs” (Pak Wayan and
Komang) will be made available to assist in specific ways for each style of
alternative firing.
Their
assistance is built into the price of firing, but especially when assistance
requires overnight attendance, the scheduling of the firing will also
necessarily include clearance with either of them for their availability.
Eg. making/locating
wadding and kiln wash, sourcing wood and combustibles, assisting with bricking
up door, changing of gas tanks, etc.
