DAVID ORSER     WOOD     SCULPTURE     POTTERS’ POTS     STATEMENT     BIO    

Our kiln shed houses reduction and salt kilns, both fueled with propane.  Firing in a reduction atmosphere gives glazes a particular depth and variation.  A salt kiln is made from extremely hard brick to help withstand the corroding effects of the salt.  Salt is introduced at the end of the firing by either putting salt directly into the firebox and/or spraying a soda/water solution through ports.  Beautiful glaze effects occur as the salt is moved through the kiln by the turbulence of the flames.  Salt firing is also a means of glazing raw clay, which allows for beautiful surfaces without the covering effects of applied glaze.   Because everything in the kiln is coated with salt, each pot must be carefully wadded with small balls of an alumina/clay mix which prevents it from sticking to the shelf.  Glazes can be very effected depending on how the salt hits them, which may result in exceptionally lovely effects or total loss of the pot.  For this reason salt firing can result in more loss, but also more appreciation for the grace of fire.

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                                                    dimensions given at tallest or widest