About
One Day Barrel Firing Workshops with Patricia Millar Ceramics at her remote studio in Lisnagunogue
Learn to fire pottery without a kiln! Patricia Millar, an expert potter, will guide you through the process of barrel firing - a technique which involves stacking ceramic items inside a metal barrel, along with combustible materials such as sawdust, seaweed and other organic materials. The barrel is then set alight, allowing the organic materials to combust which mark the pots with unique colours.
On this Barrel Firing workshop, you'll have the opportunity to decorate your pots (provided*) with designs inspired by neolithic rock art. You'll aso learn how to use oxides and organics to add colour before packing and firing a metal barrel. Finally, Patricia will teach you how to clean and seal your beautiful pots.
*You are also welcome to bring your own pots and you will add them to the firing, space permitting. Any clay is suitable but bisqued to no more than 900oC. Unfired pots can be included but do carry a greater risk of breakage, of course.
Morning session 10am – 1pm
The workshop begins with a short introduction to Barrel firing. Learn about pot preparation, terra sigillata and burnishing and decorate pots inspired by local neolithic rock art.
Make simple foil saggars, learning what colours you can achieve with different oxides and organics, while learning the crucial health and safety practices around barrel firing.
You will pack the barrels and learn how to layer fuel to achieve an even firing with maximum heat work. Patricia will guide you on how to tend to the firing to achieve a reducing atmosphere.
LUNCH
Light vegetarian lunch provided with a chance to chat and browse books on alternative firing techniques. As you wait for the barrels to burn out there is an opportunity to visit Ballintoy or The Boat House Gallery, depending on the weather.
Afternoon session 3pm - 5pm
Unpack the barrels and learn how to clean and seal your pots before taking them home!
This day course includes a vegetarian lunch, all materials, including 4 pots (approx. 240ml) Max 6 participants.
