Kirkland Art Center Low Fire Soda Story
Submitted by Kirkland Arts Center Instructors:
Juliette Ripley-Dunkleburger: Creative Handbuilding
Betsy Smith: Soda Fire Workshop
For the first time, as part of Kirkland Arts Center’s (KAC) summer quarter, a Cone One Soda Firing class was taught by Juliette Ripley-Dunkelberger and Betsy Smith. Not only was this the first time a low fire soda had been done at KAC, but it was also a five-week course, which was a new format for our summer program. It was an experimental course using terracotta clay and low fire surface treatments. Participants threw, altered, and hand built a broad range of ceramic work. These were treated with low fire glazes, washes, and both flashing and oxide slips, then fired in KAC’s Soda kiln.
Juliette and Betsy prepared for the course in multiple ways. Though the target temperature was Cone 1 (2079°F degrees) they pre-tested the terracotta clay body to Cone 3 in an electric kiln to mimic the range that would likely occur in a large gas fired hard brick kiln normally fired to Cone 10. They corresponded with Terresa Pietsch, whom Betsy had taken a workshop with before, who offered helpful advice. And they referred to Justin Rothshank’s book “Low Fire Soda” to find flashing slips that would be right for the work. These resources enabled them to confidently use terra cotta and take a risk on a new course.
The excitement amongst the class participants was high. Though experienced hand-builders and throwers, for some this was their first experience with an atmospheric soda firing with some reduction in a gas kiln. The course was designed as an experiential learning journey. Students were taught about the chemical process that occurs during a soda firing, prompted to think about how an atmospheric firing would impact their glazing choices, and were integrally involved with loading, firing, unloading, and cleaning of the soda kiln.
As expected, challenges with regulating an even temperature climb, minimizing reduction and managing three rounds of soda spraying were experienced. This challenge and the constant conversations and snacks kept us engaged for the over eight-hour firing duration.
The results paid off with exciting patterns and mixes of bright and dark color over a variety of shapes both small and large. The terracotta body withstood the high heat; its darker tones shimmering with the soda surface over patterned colors. Even with a few disappointments, we all left with a desire to do it again!
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