The Kiln is a unique type of kiln used for pottery production. It is an enclosed chamber constructed of brick or other noncombustible material that is heated from the outside with a flame or other heat source. The purpose of the kiln is to fire pottery and other ceramic works, allowing them to harden into their desired shape.
Kilns have been used in different cultures for centuries, and their design and construction vary depending on their purpose and time period. Early kilns were fired with wood and charcoal and designed to reach high temperatures necessary for firing glazes onto pottery. They used natural draft systems that used chimneys and holes near the floor to allow smoke and excess heat to escape while maintaining the heat inside the kiln. With technological advances, kilns today are powered by electricity and gas and are better able to regulate temperatures and airflow.
Kilns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on what kind of product is being made and the space that is available for the kiln. Commonly used kiln shapes include tumblers, downhill kilns, groundhog kilns, and updraft kilns. The tumbler kiln is a small, box-shaped kiln that is heated from the outside and is used to make small pieces of pottery while the downhill kiln is a large chamber with a top and a bottom. This type requires a great deal of insulation to ensure uniform firing and is used for large-scale production such as firing bricks for construction. The groundhog kiln is a wide, shallow chamber that is fired from a long, rectangular firebox and is used for low-fire, piece-by-piece pottery production. Lastly, the updraft kiln is a one-piece kiln that is fired from the top and uses gravity to allow smoke and other waste to flow out from the bottom vent. This type of kiln is used for larger pieces and sculptures.
The pottery making process consists of several steps and each step is essential to the success of the work. First of all, the clay is weighed and wedged in order to prepare it for forming. The artist then creates the desired shapes of the individual pieces by hand with the use of sculpting tools. After the pieces are formed, they are ready to be fired in the kiln. A little glaze is applied to the pieces in order to add their desired colors and textures. The pieces are then loaded into the kiln with either shelves or a bottom pallet and the kiln is sealed up and the correct temperature settings are selected. When the pieces reach their desired temperature, the kiln is cooled down in order to avoid over-firing.
Once the pieces have reached the desired temperature and cooled sufficiently, they are ready to be taken out of the kiln and admired. The firing process gives the clay pieces a unique and durable finished product. The pottery making process can be very intricate and requires a great deal of skill but the end result is something truly unique that can last for generations.
