SayPro Day 2: Pottery Firing: Understand the firing process of pottery and explore different finishes like glazes.

Certainly! Here’s a detailed write-up for SayPro Day 2: Pottery Firing:

SayPro Day 2: Pottery Firing

Theme: From Clay to Ceramic – Understanding the Heart of the Transformation

Overview:

Day 2 of the SayPro Pottery Workshop is dedicated to one of the most transformative and exciting stages in ceramics – the firing process. This is the stage where soft, malleable clay becomes a hardened, durable ceramic piece. Participants will gain a deep understanding of how firing works, the types of kilns used, the importance of temperature, and how different finishes like glazes can alter the appearance, texture, and function of a piece.

🔥 Morning Session: The Science and Stages of Firing

1. What is Pottery Firing?

Pottery firing is the process of heating clay to high temperatures to change its chemical composition.
It permanently hardens the clay, making it waterproof and strong.
This process happens in a kiln – a high-temperature oven specifically designed for ceramics.

2. Stages of Firing:

Bisque Firing (First Firing):

Temperature: \~900–1000°C (1650–1830°F)
Purpose: Removes all moisture and organic material; makes the piece porous enough to accept glaze.
Result: Hard but still absorbent – known as “bisqueware.”
Glaze Firing (Second Firing):

Temperature: 1000–1300°C (1830–2370°F), depending on clay and glaze type.
Purpose: Melts the applied glaze into a glass-like coating.
Result: Non-porous, functional, and often decorative pottery.

3. Types of Kilns:

Electric Kilns: Easy to control, clean, and consistent – great for beginners.
Gas Kilns: Allow for reduction firing (affects glaze color and texture).
Wood-Fired Kilns: Traditional method – requires constant monitoring and yields unique, organic finishes.

Hands-on Activity:

Tour of the studio kiln room.
Demonstration: Loading and unloading a kiln safely.
Discuss the importance of kiln safety, stacking strategy, and firing schedules.

🎨 Afternoon Session: Exploring Glazes and Surface Finishes

1. What is a Glaze?

A glaze is a glassy coating applied to bisqueware.
It can add color, texture, and make a piece food-safe and waterproof.

2. Types of Glazes:

Glossy: Smooth, shiny surface.
Matte: Soft, non-reflective, velvety finish.
Satin: In between gloss and matte.
Raku and Salt Glazes: Specialty finishes that produce unique effects due to firing techniques.

3. Applying Glaze:

Dipping, Brushing, Pouring, or Spraying
Glaze consistency and thickness greatly affect final results.

4. Understanding Glaze Chemistry:

Participants will learn the basics of glaze components: silica (glass former), fluxes (melters), and alumina (stabilizers).
Explore how different minerals (e.g., iron oxide, cobalt) influence glaze color.

Hands-on Activity:

Participants will glaze their bisque-fired pieces.
Experiment with layering glazes, wax resist, and masking techniques.
Prepare pieces for the next day’s glaze firing.

🧠 Discussion and Reflection:

How does the firing process affect the structure and design of a ceramic piece?
What kind of finishes would you choose for functional vs. decorative work?
How does understanding firing deepen your creative control?

📘 Take-Home Resources:

Firing temperature charts for various clay bodies and glazes.
Glaze recipe starter sheet.
Safety guide for handling and firing kilns.

🎯 Goals Achieved by End of Day 2:

Understand the complete firing process and its impact on pottery.
Gain confidence in applying and experimenting with different glazes.
Prepare personal pieces for final glaze firing.

Let me know if you’d like a printable version, visual aids, or to build this into a multi-day workshop curriculum!