Firing the soda kiln

There was a cone 6 firing in our soda kiln at the studio today. Soda is pumped into the kiln starting about 2100 degrees F in a solution of hot water every 15 minutes or so. We use an insecticide type sprayer. It is hard hot work, but a sort of party atmosphere prevails so it is fun.

The washing soda breaks down and carbon dioxide is given off while the sodium bonds to the clay making a natural glaze. It is a hard resistant finish that has been used industrially. The glaze gives the clay a sort of orange peelish texture. While electric firing can give you ok results pretty consistently, soda firing results in either a home run or a strike out.

It was hard to pick this one picture out. I had a lot I really liked. The whole album is at:http://picasaweb.google.com/ZouClay/SodaFiring20090318#

The pictures were taken "full spectrum" which includes infrared and ultrared. That tends to give an overall pinkish cast.

Today, I am grateful for the day I was given, the wonderful spring evening, fun soda firing and, hopefully, some nice pots tomorrow.