Low-firing and Burnishing

(Paperback)

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Description

An essential guide to low firing and producing natural finishes without using glazes. This book explores the techniques of firing and finishing at low temperature without using glazes or electric kilns. Many ancient cultures and contemporary potters use methods of low firing, adding slips and burnishing pieces to create a more natural finish. As these techniques can be achieved without a kiln, for example using old dustbins, pits dug out of the earth or bonfires, it means that providing you have some outdoor space, the process can be done on a low budget. With many illustrations of beautiful work by contemporary makers for inspiration, this step-by-step guide to low firing and natural finishes is suitable for potters of all levels, including beginners. Get started in no time with practical approaches to burnishing, terra sigillata, smoke-firing, pit-firing, saggar firing and raku techniques.

Reviews

A must book not only for beginners but also for the experiences if just for the pictures alone * Kent Potters newsletter, January/February 2010 *
well produced, as usual, with many good photographs of the techniques and of the finished works * London Potters *
A very useful reference work if starting out on burnishing & low fired finishes for pots * London Potters *

Author Bio

Sumi von Dassow makes burnished pottery, teaches at a centre for traditional arts and runs occasional pit-firing workshops. She contributes articles for Ceramics Monthly and Pottery Making Illustrated. Sumi is also the author of Barrel, Pit and Saggar Firing and Electric Kiln Pottery.