Yesterday we loaded the train at friend and fellow potter Darlene Benner's studio just outside of Hamilton. Four of us gathered around 10 am to load and miraculously managed to get all our pots in the kiln! It was a really nice mix of cups, bowls plates and bottles. A couple large vases went inthe throat arch, which always gets a bit blasted. After many weeks of wet rainy spring we were all surprised to find the kiln in very good shape and not wet. That being said it was a bit mossy, but a days firing will take care of that.
We had the load finished and the lid and kaowool cover on by 1 and with full bellies from a wonderful lunch had the fire lit and going by 3. After my shift which ended at 7 pm, we were at 600 f. Hopefully the evening and night went well and that they are chugging along well.
I have been doing as much woodfiring as I can the last couple of years and am starting to feel like i have a bit of a handle on loading and flame paths. I was allowed to do most of the loading yesterday which was a great treat. I hope what I think will happen happens and that everyone is happy with their work.
We are going to salt the kiln a bit, late in the firing. Hopefully all my Matt Long flashing slips get nice and wet! Bon feux mes ami !!!
