Another mask free'd from the kiln...

This was the second mask I made from paper clay, this one was 15% paper before bisque firing. The final thickness of this stoneware mask (about 7" high x 4" wide) after firing is a mere 1/8", and it weighs only 6 ounces(175g). After the first bisque firing I decided to cover it with a thin layer of light blue porcelain slip, and then bisque fire it again. The lips are a lavender engove, eyebrows are delphinium stain, cheek designs are done with Rietz Blue/Green, and the chin dot was a glob of Pete's Red. I then covered it with a clear glaze.





The photo is a bit deceptive in showing more of the under body, and I'm not sure why. When I look at it, the light blue under the clear seems to lift up off the clay body like a translucent cloud. It looks more light blue, and less of the buff seems to show up to the naked eye.

Soda Kiln and Raku Pieces.

Today I was able to retrieve my first two pieces that went through the soda firing process.

This first one is a tea bowl that I tried to cover with dark blue porcelain slip before it was bisque fired, but the slip cracked and was coming off. So I decided to scrub it really hard to get as much of the cracked slip off then put it through the soda kiln. The inside is light porcelain with a clear over it.







This next one was my first pitcher, with a CR yellow on the outside, and cushing black on the inside.







Now, on to the fun for today. I ran over to MCA at 9am and we got the Raku kiln going and set up all the pieces to fire. I had to leave at around 10am to get over to Rane and Christian's school conferences (which went well), and then I returned to MCA at 11:45 to help unload the hot pieces and smother them.

First, here is my first mask that I made using paper clay.



Then, a bowl I did with a wavey lip.







Here are a set of three small bottles with covers.













So, a big day for results. I have another mask going through the gas reduction kiln now, and it should be ready Thursday. I still have more than a dozen pieces in my locker at school ready to glaze, and a new batch of green pots in the basement ready to be bisque fired. I really can't wait to get my kilns set up here.