Participant Preparation for Wood Firing

From the military / procurement adage: Piss Poor Planning Promotes Piss Poor Performance. Here's how to prepare ahead of time with ClayTools 5Ps: Principles, Power Plan, Personal Protective Paraphernalia, Pottery and Payment

Principles

The mindset needed for this workshop

Commitment to attend all 3 days over 2 weekends
Open-mindedness will help you be comfortable with the unknown
Curiosity to explore the ceremonial aspects of wood firing
The journey is the destination. i.e. attend for the process
Physically capable to work lifting pre-cut to size wood over 4 hour shifts
Accepting a pot is not a pot until it’s a pot. i.e. detachment from expectations, have them and don't be attached

Power Plan

Look after your body first, clay body second

Plan for sleep, recovery and meals in between shifts (AKA accommodation)
Food supply and other snacks for all three days
Power cable/Phone Charger/Power Bank (your camera will lose battery!)
Water bottle labelled with your name to stay hydrated
Your preferred learning stationery (pens, notebooks etc)

Personal Protective Paraphernalia

If you like it, put a label on it

Garden gloves
- Welding gloves will be provided during shift hours for Days 1&2
Safety goggles for Day 3
- Welding glasses will provided during shift hours – for Days 1&2
Enclosed shoes or boots
Working head torch
Apron for Day 1 glazing work
Fire resistant clothing is made from earth e.g. cotton, cashmere, or hemp for shift hours on Day 1 & 2. ABSOLUTELY NO SYNTHETICS or flammable fabrics
Long sleeves and long pants - Layers are best for firing days.
No loose items (e.g scarves, neckties) or precious jewellery (incl rings & bracelets)
Hair must be away from face in a bun, ponytail or chopped off
Any existing grinding tools you have for Day 3

Pottery

Cone 10 and then some

One 32L Milk crate (362mm x 362mm x 325mm) load of bisque-fired ceramic work made from clay that can be fired at a minimum 1280C plus

Up to 3 tall pieces each 40cm for the bag wall

Here are some configurations of pottery others have brought:
To be eligible for wombat wood firing 2024, each piece of pottery must:
- be bisque fired before Day 1;
- not be a hollow, without escape hole or closed over forms
- Pottery walls must be under 20mm
- Completely unglazed (underglazes, slips and resists are ok)
- Free from found objects i.e. glass, plastics, nails, screws etc
- Made from local clays or commercial clay bodies that have been tested at least to 1280C previously