PIT / BARREL FIRING – 2 DAY RESIDENTIAL WORKSHOP

Date :  Sat 19th August – Sun 20th August 2017
 

Over two days, this residential workshop will teach you the basics of pit/barrel firing.  Various minerals and combustible materials combine with the flames and smoke of an open fire to create stunning colours and marks on your ceramic work.  Participants will need to bring up to six small pieces that have been bisque fired at 900C.  For best results use a white clay body (either stoneware or Raku) and either burnish or coat in terra sigilatta.

Firing and decorating materials will be supplied, but do bring along something specific (seaweeds, banana skins, your favourite coffee grounds, pet hair, straw from the bottom of the guinea pig cage, anything combustible that takes your fancy – note all items need to be dried) and see what magic you can create.

Participants must wear protective clothing: closed in shoes, long pants, long sleeved top. Amount of worked fired with be dependant on the size of the pieces and the number of participants.

About the tutor

Narayani Palmer has always been interested in art. She attended Claremont School of Art in the 90s, majoring in Sculpture and has been working with ceramics for the past eight years. She has trained with Stewart Scambler, Alanah McVeigh and Jill Archibald.

Very early on in her ceramics journey, she realized that glazing was not for her. So began the process of discovering different ways to decorate the ceramic surface.

She uses coloured slips and underglazes for some of her work, but her passion lies with Raku and Pit/Barrel firing. These so called “primitive” techniques combine the elements of earth and fire to create remarkable colours and patterns that are both earthy and ethereal.

Dates        : 19 & 20 August 2017
Duration: Sat 1-4pm/Sun 10am-1pm
Venue      : rear 152 Avon Terrace, York

Fee Options:
Tuition only:  $280
Tuition + accommodation (shared):  $350
Tuition + accommodation (private):  $390

Tuition includes GST, materials & lunch Sunday.
Accommodation options include linen and dinner Saturday
Note:  Bathroom and kitchen facilities are shared.  Please bring your own robe.  Tuition only participants can opt to bring their own tent.  Camping fee ($15) + dinner payable on arrival.