FIRE!!!

Quick progress update on my project: I have begun firing the pieces!! WOO HOO!! I am on FIRE!! J

The first piece to undergo the first of two firings (bisque fire) was the Autism piece. I am extremely happy to say that it made it out of the kiln beautifully!  I did have my worries about it making it through the firing process though.  For example, the Autism piece had some surface cracks in the inside that can potentially turn into piece-destroying cracks when fired.  The cracks can sometimes expand further during firing and cause a piece to fall apart or make an unwanted crack that opens the entire thickness of the piece-leaving you with an unsightly mess!

Continuing with the ‘crack’ subject (clay separation, not illegal drugs) haha; a crack is typically formed by uneven rates during the drying process of the clay.  Which brings me to my next worry…

When I began the firing process of the Autism piece, I was disheartened to find that my Gynecological piece has suffered a similar crack during her drying time L Unfortunately, the crack that has developed is on the outside surface.  What to do?! For now, I will attempt to fire her and see if the crack progresses.  If the crack does NOT progress, I should be able to apply a bisque mending paste to fill the crack and bring the surface back to a finished state.  However, if the crack progresses, it could cause a complete collapse of the entire piece. If this happens, I get to start over.  :/

Ah! The joys of being an artist! J

On a brighter note, I checked the entire surface (inside & out) of the Testicular piece and I have found no cracks! WOO HOO!!

Just to give you a little insight on the firing processes of ceramics-A clay piece needs to be fired at least twice (typically). The first fire is called bisque fire and it essentially removes any remaining moisture from the clay body and gives some strength to the piece so that it can be handled more easily. Bisque firing also prepares the piece for ‘glazing.’  Glazing is a type of ‘painting’ on the surface of clay. Glazes are (in essence) highly specific formulations of clay bodies that include colorant chemicals among others (I will not bog you down with the others at this time) to produce certain colors, flow and pattern results on the clay’s surface after the final firing of a piece.   I can get into the art of glazes quite a bit more but I want you to continue to read this blog without totally feeling lost J The final firing is the glaze fire and it adds more strength, colors and makes the piece more vitreous. Pieces can be fired more than two times depending on desired results. (but I can go into that later, if requested)

I have also included some updated photos that have size referencing in them for each piece.  I hope this makes it easier for you to visualize the pieces J

Until next time, enjoy the photos and feel free to leave a comment or question J

Don’t forget to feed the fishies!