I fired the kiln on Friday. Another good one. The following picture proves the reason why I was seeking the good firing. They are from three firings. Last year, I was losing 6 to 10 pieces per kiln. Do the mass. I gained almost 30 pieces. My friend potter in Japan told me long time ago that the yield should be 95 % to be the production potter. It is very hard figure, but this has been my goal, anyway.
One problem is solved, then another pops up. My electric kiln showed “ERRD” sign today, and could not complete the bisque firing. I need to wait the kiln cool-off to see the element problem or something else. I talked with L&L technician, and he told me he thinks either the element or the relay. This kiln has been problem free for almost ten years. I replaced the thermocouples two year ago. I have no complain, and bought the elements last year expecting to fail.
I read an interesting article about the falcons in Rochester on Sunday. Mariah, a star of the web-cam, placed in the mannmade nesting box at the Kodak tower several years ago, lost the Territorial battle with new comer, Bonnie and Clyde.
Today, I looked up at roof top of the studio, there is a falcon standing the edge of the roof. I saw the falcon -like bird chasing the dove the other day. We have lots of doves on the roof of the building as plenty of grain dropped from the freight cars at the yard.
Pots are all waxed, but I am waiting the snow storm (wind) to settle down a bit. We had more than foot of heavy back-breaking snow over the weekend. I threw berry bowls instead of glazing today.
I opened the kiln today. Very good reduction again. I got one mugs got too much reduction. Just before the body reduction, the wind picked up a bit, and felt some downdraft for while. Once the gas pressure was up, I did not see much of problem. I repeated the same firing, so the gas pressure was the answer I have been looking for. I think I will try to open up a blower flap (secondary air) next firing to see any difference to the reduction. It is very nice feeling to have no seconds again. Pottery is not like the painting, and you really cannot (draw over) refire the piece to satisfaction. You will find out the result 24 hours after the firing. Yes, I have some vision of the finished piece when glazing, and try to apply glazes, sometime a bit thicker, double dipping, etc imaging the flow of the glaze when it started to melt in the kiln. Firing, they’re so many variables, weather, how you load the kiln, etc. We are very superstitious. In Japan, the female was not used to allow to the kiln room as they afraid of the fire god being jealous, and messing up the firing. I don’t believe that, of course. I sometime wish I can see the progress of the firing in real time, like painting. On the other hand, firing is the important part of craft, and what makes the pottery.
Comments (0) 
Themocracy WordPress Themes