Burnished Pit Fire Pots (Coil + Terra Sigillata)
Day one – 2/28 On day one there will be a short presentation on pit firing effects, methods and coloring strategies. We will coil/pinch build a smooth, sculptural vessel with pit-firing aesthetics in mind. The vessel construction will focus on asymmetry, non-curvilinear forming and surface smoothing/compression. Day two – 3/1 The pieces will be “force-dried” overnight to a leather hard state. We will then explore different burnishing and terra sigillata techniques to achieve a surface that will emphasize the nature of pit firing. (Terra sigillata is a highly refined clay slip with a lustrous, smooth surface, traditionally used in ancient Roman pottery. It’s...
Event Information
Date: Daily from Feb 28 through Mar 1, 2026
Address: Ilwaco Artworks
109 First Avenue North Ilwaco, WA 98624
Price: $100 Register Here
More Information:
Day one – 2/28
On day one there will be a short presentation on pit firing effects, methods and coloring strategies. We will coil/pinch build a smooth, sculptural vessel with pit-firing aesthetics in mind. The vessel construction will focus on asymmetry, non-curvilinear forming and surface smoothing/compression.
Day two – 3/1
The pieces will be “force-dried” overnight to a leather hard state. We will then explore different burnishing and terra sigillata techniques to achieve a surface that will emphasize the nature of pit firing. (Terra sigillata is a highly refined clay slip with a lustrous, smooth surface, traditionally used in ancient Roman pottery. It’s known for creating a polished, almost waterproof surface on pottery)
Pit fire day – 3/26. 2pm-6pm
Participants do not need to be present on this day to have their piece fired. Those who do attend will be instructed in pre-firing surface treatments like combustible wraps, metallic oxide sprays and foil saggers.
