Recharged by the opportunity to take time out for our own exploration of the pit-firing experience in a magical Toodyay bush setting, simple vessels were transformed into objects of beauty through the alchemy of fire. The pit was packed with straw, copper carbonate, red iron oxide, rock salt, banana skins. The ceramic ware was lovingly sprayed with red iron oxide, wound in copper wire and salted twine and carefully placed amongst the layers.
The crisp Toodyay evening was enjoyed watching the flames dance around the work as the potters drank wine and watched with excitement as the pots took on their own earthy colours. Morning came to reveal the hidden treasures amongst the embers, as we delighted in the great variety of marks which imbued each piece with its own unique character. It was a good suggestion to bisque fire the pieces before pit firing.
A fantastic weekend at the Baker’s Toodyay retreat complete with great company, food and wine was enjoyed by all. As an enthusiastic participant I would urge you to take up the next ArtEd professional development opportunity and enjoy the experience!
text by Yvonne Weisse and Gen Baker.
September 8th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Photos, especialy these beautiful ones, tell the story. Found this by accident and was blown away by it’s presentation. Will pass it on to a friend who is a potter and very interested in this kind of firing.Thank you and congratulations. Bobbie
September 8th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Thanks Bobbie. I am glad you enjoyed the photos and post.
September 20th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
We are running a camp next term with our middle school students. We would love to do pit-firing with them as we have spent much of this term doing “fire pit” activities in preparation for the camp.
Could you tell me where I could more information on running a similar workshop with students?
September 26th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Hi Liz,
“on running a similar workshop with students?” On a camp is the perfect timing as you already have the students there overnight. Why not email us some images of the results and we can add them into a post (NB it needs student permissions…) I can forward you the form if interested 
I have been doing some looking thru clay books as well recently – any library has a selection – but even easier, just do a google search on pit firing and loads of info comes up. Like most things we do with our kids, it tends to be learn alongside them as we go
Are you planning a practice one on the holidays
One bit of advice was that the clay survives better if it has been bisque fired first!
all the best
Pauline O’Brien