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NOVEMBER 8, 2003 (The account the first cone 10 firing of my Olsen
Fast Fire kiln)
After a year and a half of research, building the kiln,
and then hauling, splitting and stacking pine, the day finally came for the
first firing. The weather was perfect. A couple of days prior to the firing, we
had a very heavy rain. This gave me the assurance that I wouldn't accidentally
burn down my studio. The temperature dropped from the 80's to the 50's the night
before the firing. Winds gentle from the northeast. Joan, who was to be an
integral part of the process fell the day before and was unable to make it. I
made a crock pot full of chili early and lit the first firebox at 9AM. Several
friends dropped in from time to time to assist and give support. After dark when
the fire started to get really hot, there was a sound so loud that my guests
thought we were under attack and hit the ground. I found the source of their
horror to be the terra cotta pipe had cracked and a 5 by 8 inch section had
popped out and landed on the tin roof. Fortunately nothing else was affected.
The sky was clear and the full lunar eclipse added to the ambiance. In the
background (NPR) Garrison Keeler entertained Jane and Cecil in Charlottesville,
Va. Cone ten was finally down at 10:30PM. I opened the kiln Monday, Nov.10,
about 11AM. Click on the thumbnails to enlarge. I was pleased with the
first firing. Shirley Cadmus Click
here to see the finished pots.
Here are some scenes from the first firing:
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Joan places her planter in the kiln. |
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Overstoking causes reduction atmosphere |
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This pine came from the CC Murray estate, thanks to Isabel |
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Jimmy stoking with sun behind me |
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Long sleeves and gloves are used once the fireboxes start radiating heat |
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pothead guards and protects the firing |
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Friends help pass the time |
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Beautiful pine donated by victims of Hurricane Isabel and the 2003 winter ice storms. A nice mix of Va. and N.C.fuel. |
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Mary Lee the master stoker |
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Once the inner glow starts the pots can be seen inside |
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