Pit Firing w. Sheridan Cudworth (Summer 2025) 2 Part Workshop (public)

$275.00

Only 4 available

Orientation: Saturday, June 28th 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Part 1: Saturday, September 6th, 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Part 2: Sunday, September 7th, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Rain Dates: Saturday, September 13th + Sunday, September 14th
Instructor: Sheridan Cudworth

Quantity:

Description

Experience the exciting atmospheric pit firing process in this 2-part workshop with Sheridan Cudworth! Pit firing creates unique surfaces from carbonization, flashing, and fuming of the smoke and flame.

Pit Firing is a primitive method for firing pottery. Pots are placed in a pit dug in the ground and surrounded by combustible and organic materials such as citrus peels, seaweed, and banana peels. The pit is then ignited and carefully fired to temperature. During the firing, the clay's surface retains markings from vapors swirling around the fire. Once cooled, pots are dug out, cleaned, and waxed.

Participants will take part in a communal pit firing during this hands-on workshop. They will learn which forms are suitable for pit firing, how to apply terra sigillata to their pieces, the methods for crafting an aluminum foil saggar using various materials, and fundamental pit firing techniques. Participants will be involved in the entire pit firing process from start to finish.

SKILL LEVEL: Please note that you will be creating clay forms independently in your home studios. Experience in either wheel throwing or hand building is necessary, but previous pit firing experience is not required. This workshop is designed for individuals with a basic understanding of ceramics.
MANDATORY ATTENDANCE: egistered participants must attend the orientation meeting and Parts 1 and 2 of the workshop.
LOGISTICS: Registered participants will receive a “welcome” email one week prior to the start date.

ORIENTATION MEETING

At Chases Garage

Saturday June 28th, 10:00am-12:00pm

This is an in-person instructional demonstration and discussion. Attendance is mandatory for those who have not previously attended a pit fire orientation meeting at Chases Garage.

Demonstration and discussion will include:

The pit firing process and what participants can expect during Parts 1 and 2 of the workshop.
Which thrown and hand-built forms are appropriate for pit firing
Examples from previous workshops and firings
Application of terra sigillata on a bone-dry pot and various burnishing techniques.
Participants will be able to ask specific questions and, at the end of the meeting, will receive 10 lbs of clay.

Please note you will be physically making clay forms on your own and are responsible for applying terra sigillata and burnishing your pots before they are bisque fired. Pots must be bone dry and ready to load in the bisque kiln by Saturday, August 23rd.

PART 1

Offsite at Lindsey Howarth’s studio: 176 Route 236, Berwick ME 03901

Saturday, September 6th 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Arrive on-site by 10:00 am.

Mandatory attendance between 10:00 am-1:30 pm

In the morning, there will be a brief introductory and instructional period in the morning before participants prepare their pots. After preparation, the pots must be placed in the pit by 12:00pm. Participants will help with all aspects of the firing process, which will last about 6 hours from the time it is ignited.

We will have a potluck lunch at 1:00pm.

We encourage everyone to stay for the duration of the firing (until 4:00pm). However, if necessary, you may leave after lunch.

PART 2

Offsite at Lindsey Howarth’s studio: 176 Route 236, Berwick ME 03901

Sunday, September 7th 10:00 am-1:00 pm

Arrive on-site by 10:00 am.

The pit will be dug out and Sheridan will demonstrate finishing techniques such as cleaning and waxing. Participants will clean, wax, and finish their personal pots, and we will review everyone’s results as a group.

A communal cleanup will take place during this timeframe.

DIMENSTIONS + REQUIREMENTS

Registration includes 10 lbs of clay
Select either a raku clay body or Laguna BMix10 at checkout.
You may bring a total of up to 6 pieces, no larger than 8 inches in one direction.

BISQUE FIRING

Pots must be bone dry and ready to load in the bisque kiln by Saturday, August 23rd.

There will be a designated shelf for placing bone-dry pieces for this workshop in the kiln shed as Chases Garage. We will fire a communal bisque specifically for this workshop. Bisque kiln temp: ^010
Please make sure to sign all of your pieces legibly.
If you'd like, you can bisque in your personal kiln. Please bisque fire to ^010 and bring your pieces to Part 1 of the workshop

FORM SUGGESTIONS

During the orientation meeting, Sheridan will present examples and discuss which forms are suitable for pit firing.
Please note: Vases with smooth surfaces work best. Plates, bowls, and shallow wide forms are discouraged and do not suit this process well. Sculptures are welcome; however, they should be structurally sound and maintain a consistent thickness to prevent breakage during the firing.

PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING:

We will utilize various materials as a group. Given the nature of the pit firing process, it is more efficient for individuals to bring specific materials for their personal use, as well as others for communal use. On June 28, we will assign responsibilities for bringing designated materials. During the orientation meeting, Sheridan will address any inquiries regarding materials and pit firing logistics.

During the pit firing, there will be a potluck lunch on Saturday, September 6th. We ask participants to bring one food item to contribute to the potluck. We will provide a Google spreadsheet sign-up sheet where you can list the item(s) you will bring. That link will be emailed to registered participants before the orientation meeting.

DISCLAIMER:

Pit/smoke-fired pottery is for DECORATIVE USE ONLY and is not intended for food or liquid use. Due to the nature of the firing process, pit/smoke fired pottery is NOT food safe, NOT water tight, and NOT fully vitrified. No, you cannot add a glaze (or re-fire) with a glaze to make the ware water-tight/food safe.

Due to the nature of this workshop, we cannot offer refunds. Your registration (payment) is nonrefundable.

Sheridan Cudworth

Sheridan Cudworth graduated from Maine College of Art with a BFA in sculpture in 2011. It wasn't until she relocated to Kittery in 2013 that she found her passion for clay. In 2020 she was a recipient of an endowment through the Maine Crafts Association which funded an apprenticeship with Elaine X Fuller. Sheridan is currently investigating different firing processes that will best complement her forms. When not in the studio, Sheridan enjoys gardening, seeing live music, being outdoors, and creating ways to make art spaces accessible to the local community.

TERMS + CONDITIONS

Adults (18 or older) may register for classes & workshops at Chases Garage. Chases reserves the right to cancel courses, substitute instructors, change course times, and limit enrollment. The student agrees to abide by any and all rules and policies of the studios. Chases will assume no responsibility for any loss, personal or physical. With enrollment, a student consents to being photographed in classes (unless we are informed in writing). These photographs may be used by Chases in future promotional efforts without specific written permission from the student.

WITHDRAWAL & REFUND POLICY

Due to limited space, pre-ordered materials, logistical constraints, and the workshop format, registrations for this workshop are non-refundable once confirmed. Chases Garage does not issue refunds for workshops or classes unless we cancel them due to low enrollment.