Recently I have been loving gas firing and the results it produces specifically reduction gas firing. (The process of removing oxygen from the atmosphere to produce color changes.) I invested in a small gas kiln to try to figure thing out on my own.
To my surprise it was not as easy as I thought. There were so many variables and things that could go wrong all I could do was start somewhere. Initially I was only able to achieve low fire temperatures in the kiln but with patience and persistence l'm achieving highfire temperatures of △10+.
I have always been fascinated with atmospheric kilns and their ability to produce vast results and colors I have been especially interested in soda firing. With my basic understanding of gas firing I thought I would take on the task of building a small soda kiln of my own.
After a few weeks of research I started to throw together a down draft kiln that would end up being the soda kiln. I end up having to rebuild the kiln multiple times so I could reach the right temperature.
Soda firing in my gas kiln has been an exciting and unpredictable process that has kept me guessing. After loading the kiln with pots, the temperature is raised above 2300°F. During this final stage of the firing, a mixture of soda ash and water (sometimes mixed with baking soda and other soluble salts) are introduced into the kiln, either by spraying or by adding soda-soaked material. I have had the best result with the least damage to my kiln by spraying a solution. As the soda vaporizes, it reacts with the silica in the clay and glaze, creating a unique, glossy surface with natural variations in color and texture.
The soda vapor settles unevenly across the surfaces, enhancing textures and producing flashes of color that range from oranges and pinks to greens and blues, depending on the clay body and the kiln’s atmosphere. The process requires careful attention to temperature, atmosphere, and timing, with each piece emerging from the kiln with a distinct, organic character that reflects the raw beauty of the soda firing process.
I've really come to love the whole soda firing process, from prepping the pots to that exciting moment when the kiln is opened. The unpredictability keeps me hooked, and every time feels like a new discovery. I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes me next and how the results will keep pushing my work in new directions!