Our local pottery group, Potters of the Wind Rivers (POWR), just completed our first pit firing on August 17. The results were interesting–definitely a learning experience!
The event was hosted by Jenny Reeves-Johnson in her lovely pasture along the banks of the Popo Agie River.
A pit was dug and filled with a bottomless half barrel surrounded by sand. A grate was placed above upon which the pots were preheated over a wood fire. The grate was removed and the pots were placed within the half barrel and combustibles such as dry grass were added along with other interesting additions such as coffee grounds, banana peels, miracle gro and salt. The entire pit was then covered with dried cow chips over which sheets of metal were laid.
The results were quite interesting, with minimal breakage, even though a variety of clays not normally suited for temperature extremes were used. Here are a few photos.
Preheating the pots.
All covered up with cow chips and metal.
Firing Complete!
Happy potters Ken Reiman, Tracey Dobbins, Maria McGane, Deb Britt (back), Jenny Reeves-Johnson, Majelle Lee and Carolyn Orr.