Dimensions are established on the concrete slab
A cinderblock foundation is layed first to elevate the kiln
Softbrick
leveling the walls
Wooden arch forms are cut to support a roof made entirely of castable refractory.
Applying castable refractory roof. A separate key brick will be cast to allow for expansion from the heat
Wooden form removed after castable has cured
Anagama nearing completion with steel reinforcement. Chimney and wood/soda kiln in progress
The week long workshop was a lively time of hard work, long hours and hot sun. Despite dangerous working conditions our wonderful group of residents and local artists pulled together to leave their mark on Cub Creek's future.
The weeks following the workshop have been spent saying goodbyes to residents at the end of their year long Cub Creek experience, digging and processing local clay, and creating a healthy amount of pots to fill the new kiln. With the arrival of kiln building workshop participant turned short term resident Ron Shaw came the construction of a roof to protect the new kilns from the elements. Ron is not only a terrific potter from Florida, but also a tremendously hard worker whose assistance with building the shed cannot be thanked enough.
We began our first firing of our anagama on July 16th. The good news is that it works! cone 12 was soft in the firebox at 24 hours. The less than satisfactory news is that, like many first firings, it will take a few firings to fine tune. Despite an uneven firing with a minimal amount of natural ash we still received many successful pieces and an abundance of knowledge with which to approach the next firing.
Keep an eye out for photos of the loading, firing, and finished work.
-Mitch
